Philippine Energy Regulatory Commission Supports Nuclear Energy Legislation, Emphasizing Regulatory Alignment and Consumer Protection

The Philippine Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has expressed support for proposed legislation promoting nuclear energy development, stating that it would help strengthen national energy security and enhance electricity supply reliability.

On August 12, during a hearing held by the Special Committee on Nuclear Energy of the Philippine House of Representatives, Krisha Marie T. Buela, Director of the Office of the General Counsel and Secretariat of the ERC, presented the Commission's preliminary comments on the proposed bills.

Buela stated that the ERC is reviewing several provisions in the proposed legislation and will submit a formal position paper to the Special Committee on Nuclear Energy. Based on the preliminary comments, the Commission's key areas of concern include the scope of regulatory authority, long-term power supply agreements, electricity market mechanisms, priority dispatch rules, and how to address potential additional costs arising from the introduction of nuclear power.

The ERC emphasized that the proposed nuclear regulatory framework should align with the Philippines' existing energy laws and electricity market rules, while also requiring clear regulatory definitions and enforceable implementing rules to ensure that nuclear power can be systematically integrated into the electricity industry.

Consumer protection is also a key focus of the ERC. The Commission stated that if the Philippines incorporates nuclear energy into its long-term energy options, appropriate safeguard mechanisms should be established in parallel to avoid unexpected increases in electricity costs being passed on to consumers.

The ERC stated that its recommendations aim to assist legislators in developing a clear and workable nuclear regulatory framework. This framework should support the safe and responsible introduction of nuclear power while maintaining electricity market stability and protecting electricity consumers from potential financial risks.