Retail Competition Readiness Seminar for ECs a Success [Archive-21]
The
Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) conducted a Retail Competition
Readiness Seminar for Electric Cooperatives (ECs) in Luzon last November
7, 2006. Held at the ERC Hearing Room, the day-long seminar aimed to
provide the participants with the knowledge and tools needed to face the
challenges of retail competition. Also, it aimed to identify concrete
steps towards addressing weaknesses/problems that hinder their readiness
for open access.
ERC
Chairman Rodolfo B. Albano, Jr. welcomed the participants and urged
them to take advantage of seminars like this to raise their concerns.
“We designed this seminar with your needs specially in mind. Your
acquaintance with the rules on retail competition will enable you to
perform effectively in an open access environment. Together, we will
come closer to the accomplishment of our mission in the Electric Power
Industry Reform Act,” Chairman Albano remarked.
The
seminar discussed the implications of retail competition and open
access to ECs and end-users, and specifically focused on the five (5)
rules promulgated by ERC for retail competition and open access. These
are: 1) Guidelines for the Issuance of Licenses to Retail Electricity
Suppliers; 2) Code of Conduct for Competitive Retail Market
Participants; 3) Business Separation Guidelines, As Amended; 4)
Distribution Service and Open Access Rules; and 5) Rules for the
Supplier of Last Resort.
Discussions
during open fora were vibrant as participants actively raised their
issues and concerns related to each rule/guideline presented. The lively
exchanges on the questions raised shed light on matters that
particularly concerned ECs.
Comparing
the results of the pre and post course examinations given, it was
revealed that, in general, the participants’ understanding of the rules
for retail open access deepened.
A
total of forty eight (48) participants attended, representing eighteen
(18) ECs, nine (9) of which are the ECs which have potential contestable
customers. NEA Administrator Edita S. Bueno and other officials were
also present to listen to the concerns of the ECs and to provide the
necessary support and assistance in accordance with their mandate.
Commissioner
Rauf A. Tan, before putting the seminar to a close, provided an
opportunity to entertain further questions from the participants. The
participants were highly appreciative of the seminar as they believed it
has enhanced their appreciation not only of the rules, but also of
their specific roles in a competitive environment.
Date Published: 11/17/2006