The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) has thrown its support behind the Energy Regulatory Commission’s (ERC) latest reforms, saying the measures could improve the country’s investment climate by lowering electricity costs, expanding consumer choice, and speeding up regulatory approvals.
The business group’s endorsement comes as power affordability and regulatory efficiency remain among the biggest concerns of investors evaluating the Philippines as a manufacturing and business destination.
PCCI said the ERC, under Chairperson Saturnino Juan, has rolled out a series of reforms aimed at strengthening consumer protection while addressing structural issues that have long driven up electricity costs and delayed energy investments.
Among the most significant measures is the reduction of the Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA) threshold to 100 kilowatts, which took effect on June 26, 2026. The move allows more commercial and industrial consumers to choose their electricity suppliers, giving businesses greater bargaining power to secure more competitive power rates.
The chamber also welcomed streamlined net-metering requirements and broader private-sector participation in transmission infrastructure, saying both reforms could accelerate renewable energy investments while improving grid efficiency.
PCCI further cited the suspension of the Green Energy Auction Allowance (GEA-All) as providing immediate relief to electricity consumers. It also welcomed new policies covering off-grid service charges, transmission development, and the publication of generation market share data, which are expected to improve transparency, competition, and energy security.
“The ERC’s recent reforms reflect a clear commitment to lowering electricity rates and ensuring a reliable, transparent, and competitive power market,” said PCCI President Perry Ferrer.
PCCI Director for Energy and Power David Chua said the measures are “not only pro-consumer but also pro-industry,” noting that simplified regulatory processes and faster approval timelines strengthen investor confidence and support business expansion.
The reforms represent more than regulatory fine-tuning for the business community. Lower power costs, greater market competition, and more predictable approvals could strengthen the Philippines’ competitiveness at a time when investors are increasingly weighing energy reliability and operating costs alongside fiscal incentives when choosing where to expand.
