Energy Regulatory Commission drafts metering rules

MANILA, Philippines - The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is drafting rules to govern the type of meter products to be used in the revenue metering scheme by distribution utilities (DUs). 

The ERC is also in the process of presenting the draft rules through various expository hearings and public consultations.

The commission decided to come up with these meter guidelines as industry players raised the idea during hearings and consultations towards the promulgation of the rules and procedures for the test and maintenance of electric meters of DUs.

Majority of the DUs indicated the need for a regulatory framework that will require type approval by the ERC before a new type of meter is used in service. 

“With the regulatory framework, the DUs will be protected from sub-standard meters that could compromise the integrity of their metering system to the ultimate benefit of the consumers,” ERC chairperson Zenaida G. Cruz-Ducut said.

She said the proposed rules are also in line with the objective of the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC).

She said these will increase use and acceptance by the industry as well as the government bodies of the results from accredited laboratories here and abroad towards the realization of the free trade goal of “a product tested once and accepted everywhere.”  

The ERC chief noted that the proposed rules adopted the standards developed and recommended for international use.

Specifically, she said it will follow standards set by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

These two institutions, she said, aim to promote international cooperation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields.

“The ERC is serious on coming up with updated rules to ensure the viability of the DUs,” Ducut said.

She added that “this commitment seeks to always promote and protect the interest of the electricity consumers.”