DUs to undergo mandatory regulatory education seminar
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has issued on February 15, 2006 Resolution No. 06, Series of 2006 directing key officers of all Distribution Utilities (DUs) to undergo the Mandatory Regulatory Education Program (MREP) as part of their continuing education of regulatory issues. The initial regulatory course of the program focuses on the Distribution Services and Open Access Rules (DSOAR) and series of seminars throughout the country will be conducted by the ERC.
“This MREP is developed in order to apprise regulated entities of different ERC rules, regulations and guidelines and its importance for the effective and efficient implementation of the same. The DSOAR course is just a kick-off and more courses will be offered to help DUs acquaint themselves with regulatory issues,” ERC Chairman Rodolfo B. Albano, Jr. emphasized.
The DSOAR, considered as the ‘bible’ for the DUs, is designed to cover the various service combinations in the new DU environment. It includes terms and conditions related to the provision of services to the captive and contestable markets, SoLR and Connection Assets and Services. It further sets forth the procedures for establishing regulated service rates for DUs pursuant to the Distribution Wheeling Rate Guidelines (DWRG) and for DUs who are non-DWRG entrants.
The DSOAR supersedes some provisions contained in the Standard Rules and Regulations Governing the Operation of Electrical Power Services and ERB Resolution No. 95-21, as amended. “The change in the landscape of the electric power industry into a competitive market and the paradigm shift in the services the industry has to offer, necessitate this reform,” Chairman Albano, Jr. added.
The seminar, intended for all Regulatory Compliance Officers, General Managers, Heads of the Technical and Customer Service Departments of different DUs, is scheduled as follows:
March
23-24,2006 – Mindanao DUs, Cebu Business Hotel, Cebu City
March 27-28, 2006 – Visayas DUs, Cebu Business Hotel, Cebu City
March 30-31, 2006 – Southern Luzon DUs and Meralco, Starwood Hotel,
Baguio City
April 03-04, 2006 – Northern Luzon DUs and Meralco, Starwood Hotel,
Baguio City.
“This is a good venue for the DUs to share their assessments on the topic to be discussed. The ERC assures that the interests of the DUs as well as that of the consumers are balanced and protected and hopes that the same is complimented by way of active participation,” the Chief Regulator concluded.