Comment on system for renewable energy development sought

CEBU, Philippines - The Energy Regulatory Commission is inviting power stakeholders for comments and inputs on the Feed-In Tariff Rules or the FIT system which is one of the mechanisms that are set under Republic Act 9513, otherwise known as the Renewable Energy Act of 2008 that will mobilize the deployment of energy from renewable sources in the Philippines.

Renewable energy resources and technologies that are targeted for development in the Renewable Energy Law include biomass, geothermal, solar, hydro-electric, ocean and wind.

Under the RE Law, the ERC is tasked with the responsibility of setting the FIT system, in consultation with the National Renewable Energy Board.

Given this mandate, the ERC has undertaken a study of various FIT models used in other countries towards developing a system for the Philippines that will achieve the objectives of the RE Law.

The draft FIT Rules addresses vital implementation issues, which include whether or not to have a single-FIT or technology- specific FIT, the allocation of the burden on all electricity consumers, the duration of the FITs and the methodology for setting the FITs.

ERC Executive Director Atty. Francis Saturnino C. Juan, in a press statement sent to The FREEMAN, stated that a more comprehensive draft, which shall be subjected to a formal public consultation, will be crafted after initial discussions with the electric power industry stakeholders on their views and inputs.

The deadline for submission of inputs and comments is set on February 19, 2010. — Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/WAB   (FREEMAN NEWS)