A bicameral conference committee composed of lawmakers from the Senate and the House of Representatives has approved a bill establishing a mechanism that will allow for the responsive maintenance and rehabilitation of transmission, sub-transmission, and distribution lines to ensure the uninterrupted conveyance of electricity from power plants to consumers.

Senator Win Gatchalian is pushing for the creation of an independent energy watchdog that will ensure consumer protection and enhance the competitive operation of the electricity industry.

The Joint Congressional Power Commission (JCPC) has greenlit the amendments to the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act Law (EPIRA) in order for communities to feel the benefits of hosting power generation facilities as quickly as possible.

Senator Win Gatchalian is pushing for a bill that will spur microgrid development in unserved and underserved areas nationwide as the government targets 100% household electrification level by 2022.

Senator Win Gatchalian is calling for an investigation into the unexpected brownouts that hit several towns and cities in Luzon, especially after the Department of Energy (DOE) has given its assurance that there is ample supply of electricity reserve throughout the dry season.

Filipino consumers will feel less burdened paying their electricity bills once the government’s share of the Malampaya fund is tapped to cover the stranded debts and contract costs of the National Power Corporation (NPC) instead of expanding the coverage and increasing the lifeline rate subsidy, Senator Win Gatchalian said.

Senator Win Gatchalian reminded electric cooperatives (ECs) to remain apolitical at all times and avoid participating in any partisan political activity during the election period.

Senator Win Gatchalian has reiterated the importance of a sound policy and regulatory framework for electric vehicles (e-vehicles) to usher in the uptake of electric vehicles in the country.

Filipino power consumers are now one step closer to having cheaper electricity after the Bicameral Conference Committee approved a bill authorizing the use of ₱208 billion from  the Malampaya fund to pay off the stranded contract costs and stranded debt of the National Power Corporation (Napocor).