ERC consults public on Rules governing the type approval of meter products

On 01 December 2009, the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) announced the conduct of expository hearings and public consultations on its proposed Rules Governing the Type Approval of Meter Products to be used in Revenue Metering by distribution utilities (DUs).

It must be recalled that during the conduct of the expository hearings and consultation towards promulgation of Rules and Procedures for the Test and Maintenance of Electric Meters of DUs, the proposed Rules Governing the Type Approval of Meter Products to be used in Revenue Metering by Distribution Utilities (DUs) emerged as a necessary off-shoot.  Majority of the DUs indicated the need for a regulatory framework that will require type approval by the ERC before a new type of meter is used in service. “With the said regulatory framework, the DUs will be protected from sub-standard meters that could compromise the integrity of their metering system to the ultimate benefit of the consumers,” ERC Chairperson and CEO Zenaida G. Cruz-Ducut explained.

The proposed Rules are in line with the objective of the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) to increase use and acceptance by the Philippine industry as well as the government bodies of the results from accredited laboratories here and abroad towards realization of the free trade goal of “a product tested once and accepted everywhere.”  Also, the proposed Rules adopted the standards developed and recommended for international use by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and American National Standards Institute (ANSI) which both aim to promote international co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields.

The expository hearings on the proposed Rules are set on 07 January 2010 in Cebu City for DUs located in the Visayas and Mindanao areas; and on 14 January 2010 in Manila for DUs located in Luzon area.  The public consultation thereon will be held in Manila on 04 February 2010.

“The ERC is serious on coming up with updated Rules to ensure the viability of the DUs.  This commitment seeks to always promote and protect the interest of the electricity consumers.  I encourage participation of concerned stakeholders to the expository hearings and public consultation for the finalization of the proposed Rules,” ERC Chairperson Ducut concluded. 

 

December 11, 2009

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