ERC meets Ohio utility regulator

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) recently concluded a three-day consultative meeting with officials of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) headed by Commissioner Judy A. Jones.

“Our meeting was very enlightening. I am glad to note that ERC is on the right track in instituting reforms in the Philippine electric power industry. The experience of the Ohio jurisdiction parallels the developments in our country,” ERC Chairman Manuel R. Sanchez said.

"The overview provided by PUCO officials gave us a new perspective in decision making and more importantly fresh approaches to establish fiscal and political independence,” Sanchez added.

The Department of Energy (DOE), National Electrification Administration (NEA) and the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) gained a general idea on how the State of Ohio operates its electricity market, and develops its natural gas industry.

The forum also provided an opportunity for industry players and stakeholders such as the Philippine Electric Plant Owners Association (PEPOA), Philippine Independent Power Producers Association (PIPPA), Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association (PHILRECA), the American Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry to exchange notes on their respective industry views and experiences.

The series of information exchanges was concluded by exploring possible energy partnership between ERC and PUCO.

EAST MEETS WEST - Chairman Manuel R. Sanchez (center) confers with the officials of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (on his right) headed by Commissioner Judy A. Jones, Sridhar B. Samudrala, Deputy Program Manager for Asia of the U.S. Energy Association and Richard C. Cahaan, Chief Economist. On his left are ERC Commissioners Leticia V. Ibay, Mary Anne B. Colayco and Oliver B. Butalid.

September 03, 2003