ERC junks opposition to Meralco power supply deal

MANILA, Philippines — The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has dismissed opposition in four out of seven power supply agreements (PSAs) of Manila Electric Co. (Meralco).

The power regulator has yet to set the hearing for the three remaining PSAs, ERC spokesperson Floresinda Digal said in a text message.

The PSAs involved are Meralco’s contracts with Redondo Peninsula Energy Inc. (RP Energy), St. Raphael Power Generation Corp. (SRPGC), Atimonan One Energy Inc. and Panay Energy Development Corp. (PEDC).

“It must be noted that only parties to a case may make and argue motions and participate in the proceedings,” the power regulator said.

Under the ERC Rules of Practice and Procedure (RPP), only the applicant, petitioner, complainant, respondent, or intervenor are parties to a proceeding.

The ERC rejected the motion to dismiss the Meralco PSAs filed by Romeo Junia, a consumer advocate and a representative of United Filipino Consumers and Commuters (UFCC) and Freedom from Debt Coalition (FDC), for lack of personality to file. 

Meanwhile, the power regulator also denied the petition to become intervenors filed by Junia, Fe Bait, et al. and Uriel Borja for failing to submit their motion for intervention within five days prior to the initial hearing of the case.

They filed their petitions at least seven months after the initial hearing of the case. 

However, the ERC allowed them to become oppositors to the Meralco PSAs.

“If you are given the status of an intervenor you can present witnesses as well as cross examine the other party’s witness,” Digal said.

“If you are treated as an oppositor, you may submit your position paper anytime during the proceedings for the commission’s consideration,” she added.

In April 2016, Meralco signed seven PSAs involving 3,551 megawatts, which corner 81 percent of the combined output of the seven power plants.

The other three PSAs are with Central Luzon Premiere Power Corp. (CLPPC) and Mariveles Power Generation Corp. (MPGC) of the San Miguel Group, and Global Luzon Energy Development Corp. (GLEDC) of Global Business Power Corp.