Press Release: ERC approves 57 distribution utilities’ applications to maintain Meter Shops
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), as of 28 June 2010, has already approved a total of fifty-seven (57) applications filed by fifty-seven (57) distribution utilities (DUs) for a Certificate of Authority (CA) to maintain a Meter Shop. The Philippines has one hundred forty (140) DUs composed of 120 rural electric cooperatives and 20 private utilities.
The applications were filed pursuant to ERC Resolution No. 12, series of 2009 adopting the “Rules and Procedures for the Test and Maintenance of Electric Meters of Distribution Utilities”. The Rules’ Section 2.1 requires DUs providing metered electric service to maintain their individually-owned or group of DU-owned Meter Shop, unless specifically exempted by the ERC. The Meter Shop will be responsible for the routine testing, repair, and calibration of electric meters and other auxiliary devices and equipment essential to the metering of electric power and energy. There have been, so far, eight (8) DUs which applied and were granted exemption from maintaining their own Meter Shops when they proved that it is more feasible for them to engage the services of an independent Meter Shop.
The CA is valid for three (3) years and may be renewed upon application. The renewal will depend on the ERC’s assessment on whether the meter shop had been consistently operating satisfactorily.
The ERC promulgated the concerned Rules and Procedures with the intent of providing guidance to DUs in the testing and maintenance of electric meters to ensure the highest level of confidence of the consumers on the accuracy of the DUs’ billing meters. The DUs must make sure that all electric meters in service are tested and sealed by the ERC. With respect to meters already in service, these should be tested at least once every two (2) years in accordance with a statistical sampling program approved by the ERC.
“These Rules and Procedures involve delegated and cost-efficient measures meant to promote and protect the interest of electricity consumers. There are more than 8 million residential electric meters in the country. Innovations and scientific statistical monitoring systems have provided ways of ensuring that electric meters are accurate through systematic testing and maintenance and regular monitoring checks,” ERC Chairperson Zenaida G. Cruz-Ducut concluded.
June 29, 2010