PRESS RELEASE: ERC resets commencement of acceptance testing of DUs' electric meters
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) resolved to start the implementation of the sampling method of acceptance testing of all distribution utilities’ (DUs) electric meters on the first working day of January 2011. This is embodied in ERC Resolution No. 15, Series of 2010 which effectively resets the original timeline from July 2010. The deferment was in consideration of the fact that most DUs have not secured the Meter Shop accreditation which is a major prerequisite for the implementation of the sampling method of acceptance testing. The 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 requirement for every DUs to undertake electric meter testing and calibration is pursuant to ERC Resolution No. 12, Series of 2010 entitled, “A Resolution Adopting the Rules and Procedures for the Test and Maintenance of Electric Meters of Distribution Utilities,” which took effect in July 2009. In the said Rules and Procedures, the DUs providing meter electric service are also required 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. Thus, the DUs need to file their respective applications to maintain a Meter Shop, or if not practicable, an exemption should also be sought from the ERC. DUs granted with accreditation will be issued a Certificate of Authority (CA) to maintain a Meter Shop, which shall be 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 operating satisfactorily and consistently compliant with CA requirements and with the said Rules.
“The ERC promulgated the subject Rules and Procedures to ensure the accuracy of the DUs’ billing meters and protect the interest of the electricity consumers. Meanwhile, the DUs are also given consideration to comply with the Meter Shop accreditation requirement by providing them ample time to secure the same and by extending the time to start the electric meter testing to early next year,” ERC Chairperson & CEO Zenaida G. Cruz-Ducut concluded.
Resolution No. 15, series of 2010
July 27, 2010