ERC summons 37 power generation firms over fuel audit

ERC

MANILA, Philippines — The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has issued show-cause orders to 37 generation firms, including major players, over the alleged lack of fuel data that could justify charges passed on to consumers.

In a statement on Wednesday, the ERC demanded an explanation from the involved companies after they had ignored its orders to submit complete sets of fuel cost data and documents covering the period January to October 2022.

“The ERC continues to conduct rigorous fuel audits to make sure that only fair and reasonable costs are being charged by our regulated entities,” ERC Chair and CEO Monalisa Dimalanta said.

The ERC said fuel invoices should be submitted every month to support pass-through fuel costs, or face administrative liability and fines.

Big players

Notable groups include units of San Miguel Corp., Aboitiz and DMCI.

San Miguel units include: Masinloc Power Partners Co. Ltd., San Miguel Energy Corp., SMC Consolidated Power Corp. and San Miguel Consolidated Power Corp.

Aboitiz units were: Therma Luzon, Inc., Toledo Power Corp., GNPower Dinginin, Ltd. Co. and GNPower Mariveles Energy Center, Ltd. Co.

DMCI Power and DMCI Masbate Power Corp. also received a show-cause order.

San Miguel and Aboitiz groups have yet to reply.

DMCI said the group had yet to receive the orders, but noted they were in the process of “verifying from their records the alleged non-compliance.”

“We remain fully committed to regulatory compliance and transparency in our operations and will cooperate with the ERC to address the matter accordingly,” DMCI added.

Dimalanta told generation companies as well as distribution utilities “to fully cooperate… so we can uphold transparency and deliver power at the least cost possible.” INQ