‘Key policies will enable benefits of EPIRA, RE Act’ – Francia

April 20, 2017 — AC Energy President and CEO Eric Francia believes that key policies will enable the benefits of Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) and the Renewable Energy Act.

Speaking before energy regulators and members of the Philippine Energy Media during the Continuing Regulatory Education for Stakeholders (CREST) forum in Laoag City organized by the Energy Regulatory Commission, Francia emphasized three major points: 1) setting rules to avoid arbitrariness in competitive selection processes; 2) allowing contestable customers to benefit from Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA); and 3) the importance of the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) in building momentum for renewables.

Francia also sees adequate energy supply across the country in the next five to ten years but also noted key uncertainties and risks in the addition of coal plants in Luzon, the Malampaya/LNG, and the national grid backbone including the Visayas-Mindanao grid interconnection. He also sees opportunities for renewables to replace more expensive and less efficient conventional plants.