ERC Chair Ducut bares her priorities
Chair
Zenaida G. Cruz-Ducut bared her priorities for the Energy Regulatory Commission
(ERC). Chair Ducut wants to continue strengthening the ERC’s proactive
role in protecting the welfare and interests of electricity consumers. “This
is my top priority. I want the electricity consumers to feel that they have
a strong ERC to look after them,” Chair Ducut said.
The chief regulator wants to focus on the review of the pending cases filed with the ERC and determine how to expedite their resolution. She also included consumer complaints as part of her top priorities. Chair Ducut likewise put in her top agenda the review of existing policies pertaining to rate-setting, including the system loss and lifeline charges components and the different adjustment mechanisms that affect electricity rates.
Chair Ducut vowed to make sure that the distribution utilities (DUs) will strictly implement the directives of the ERC, especially those that mandate rate reduction and other measures to mitigate the impact of upward rate changes. “I will make sure that the DUs are properly monitored in this respect and that they comply with the service standards set by the ERC,” Chair Ducut stressed.
The ERC chief realizes the importance of a competent ERC staff in order to effectively meet the mandates in the EPIRA. “I want to have a complete training needs analysis in line with the capacity building that has been initiated by my predecessor, Hon. Rodolfo B. Albano, Jr.,” Chair Ducut said. Chair Ducut also wants a fair and equitable compensation plan for the ERC. She ordered an immediate review of the salary and benefits schedule at the ERC as part of her drive to keep the ERC staff effective and motivated.
Chair Ducut assumed her office at the ERC on 14 July 2008. She brings with her more than ten years of experience as a lawyer and a seasoned legislator.
July 15, 2008