JOINT PRESS RELEASE
22 February 2024

ERC, PCC collaborate to address competition concerns in the power sector

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) and the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) are launching a joint task force to monitor and investigate allegations of anti-competitive practices in the power sector.

This initiative builds upon the 2019 Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the two regulators to foster competition in the energy industry in response to concerns about power outages and corresponding increases in prices of electricity. These joint fact-finding inquiries aim to uncover anti-competitive conducts that harm consumer welfare.

“The ERC firmly believes that, in order to protect the consumers, we cannot afford to go at this alone,” ERC Chairperson & CEO Monalisa Dimalanta said. “The broader expertise of the PCC on reviewing arrangements and behavior with a competition lens complements the energy industry-focus of the ERC. This synergy allows our respective agencies to better fulfill our mandates and serve the Filipino public,” Dimalanta added.

In line with this initiative, the ERC has shared key industry data and insights with the PCC.

PCC Chairperson Michael G. Aguinaldo welcomes this latest development, which underscores the PCC’s unwavering commitment to holding market players accountable to their customers.

“This renewed collaboration between the ERC and the PCC marks a significant milestone towards fostering a more competitive power industry, drawing on our combined expertise and investigative resources,” Aguinaldo said.

“The PCC, responsible for enforcing the Philippine Competition Act, looks forward to a more efficient and expeditious investigation into possible violations of the law for the benefit of consumers,” Aguinaldo added. 

###

Link: https://www.phcc.gov.ph/press-releases/erc-pcc-collaborate-to-address-competition-concerns-in-the-power-sector/