ERC defers testing for electric meters of distribution utilities

MANILA, Philippines - The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), the country’s power sector watchdog, has deferred the implementation of the testing method for electric meters of distribution utilities (DUs).

ERC chairman Zenaida Ducut said the deferment was approved by the commission to allow DUs to amply comply with establishment of a meter shop which is a pre-condition before the testing mechanism is adopted.

“The ERC resolved to start the implementation of the sampling method of acceptance testing of all distribution utilities’ electric meters on the first working day of January 2011. This is embodied in ERC Resolution No. 15, which effectively resets the original timeline from July 2010.  The deferment was in consideration of the fact that most DUs have not secured the meter shop accreditation which is a major prerequisite for the implementation of the sampling method of acceptance testing,” she said.

So far, Ducut said only almost half of the DUs have secured certification to set up a meter shop.

“The ERC, as of June 28, has already approved a total of 57 applications filed by distribution utilities for a certificate of authority (CA) to maintain a meter shop,” she said.

The Philippines has 140 DUs composed of 120 rural electric cooperatives and 20 private utilities.

The requirement for every DU to undertake electric meter testing and calibration is pursuant to ERC Resolution No. 12, which took effect in July 2009.  In these rules and procedures, the DUs providing meter electric service are also required to maintain their individually-owned or group of DU-owned meter shop, unless specifically exempted by the ERC. According to Ducut, the meter shop will be responsible for the routine testing, repair, and calibration of electric meters and other auxiliary devices and equipment essential to the metering of electric power and energy. 

“Thus, the DUs need to file their respective applications to maintain a meter shop, or if not practicable, an exemption should also be sought from the ERC,” she said.