ERC invites stakeholder comments on Feed-In Tariff Rules
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) posted the first draft Feed-In Tariff (FIT) Rules on its website (www.erc.gov.ph) on 19 January 2010 with an invitation for comments and inputs from interested stakeholders. The FIT system is one of the mechanisms that are set in the Renewable Energy Act of 2008 (R.A. 9513 or the RE Law) that will mobilize the deployment of energy from renewable sources in the Philippines. Renewable energy resources and technologies that are targeted for development in the RE Law include biomass, geothermal, solar, hydro-electric, ocean and wind.
The ERC is tasked under the RE Law with the responsibility of setting the FITs, in consultation with the National Renewable Energy Board (NREB). Given this mandate, the ERC has undertaken a study of various FIT models used in other countries towards developing a system for the Philippines that will achieve the objectives of the RE Law.
The draft FIT Rules addresses vital implementation issues, among them are: (i) whether or not to have a single-FIT or technology- specific FIT; (ii) the allocation of the burden on all electricity consumers; (iii) the duration of the FITs; and (iv) the methodology for setting the FITs.
“The first draft FIT Rules does not purport to be a complete set that will already address all issues pertaining to the FIT implementation. A more comprehensive draft, which shall be subjected to a formal public consultation, will be crafted after initial discussions with the electric power industry stakeholders on their views and inputs vis-à-vis the various FIT features contained in this first draft”, ERC Executive Director Atty. Francis Saturnino C. Juan explained.
The deadline for submission of inputs and comments (hard and soft copies) on the first draft FIT Rules is on 19 February 2010 (Friday). Electronic copies of the comments and inputs should be sent to fscjuan@erc.gov.ph. The hard copies may be forwarded to the ERC Main Office located at Pacific Center Building, San Miguel Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City.
January 21, 2010