Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) Chairperson and CEO Atty. Francis Saturnino Juan underscored the need for responsive regulation and stronger grid infrastructure to support renewable energy integration during the ASEAN Energy Business Forum (AEBF) 2026 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).
Juan delivered the keynote address, “Barriers and Opportunities: A Regulator’s Insights on the Future Grid of the Philippines,” setting the tone for discussions on grid modernization, regulatory readiness, and investment as renewable energy integration expands.
The ERC chief emphasized the role of regulation in managing the energy transition while creating space for investment and innovation.
“A regulator’s job is to manage the transition—and make room for investment and innovation without compromising the public interest.”
“A regulator’s job is not simply to remove barriers. Nor is it to write more rules. It is to manage the transition—and make room for investment and innovation without compromising the public interest,” he said.
Juan outlined ERC Resolution No. 18, Series of 2026, the 2026 Edition of the Philippine Grid Code (PGC), and the ongoing development of an Energy Storage Systems regulatory framework as measures supporting grid modernization and renewable energy integration.
“The transition must preserve reliability, safety, market integrity, and consumer protection.”
On market reforms, he discussed the Green Energy Option Program (GEOP) and expanded participation under Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA), alongside consumer participation through net metering, demand response, and distributed energy resources. Juan said that the transition must preserve reliability, safety, market integrity, and consumer protection.
He also stressed that the shift to clean energy must be matched by reliable electricity service.
“The transition is not a choice between clean energy and reliable energy. We must build a system that delivers both,” Juan stressed.
The AEBF is held in conjunction with the 44th ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM) and its associated meetings, bringing together energy stakeholders to strengthen regional cooperation and advance priorities under the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) 2026–2030 toward a secure, resilient, sustainable, and interconnected ASEAN energy future.
