The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), represented by Chairperson and CEO Atty. Francis Saturnino Juan, participated as part of the Philippine delegation to the U.S.–Philippines Smart Grid Technologies Reverse Trade Mission (RTM) hosted by the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) recently.
The mission brought together senior Philippine energy sector leaders and U.S. public and private sector partners to explore the application of advanced digital and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions to strengthen energy security and support the modernization of power systems in the Philippines.
Juan engaged in a series of briefings, technology demonstrations, and discussions with leading U.S. energy and smart grid technology providers. These engagements focused on AI-enabled grid management, data analytics, cybersecurity, and advanced metering solutions, highlighting innovations in real-time system monitoring, predictive maintenance, demand forecasting, and digital platforms that support the integration of distributed and renewable energy resources.
The delegation also participated in the DTECH conference and visited the Stanford Central Energy Facility, where participants observed advanced transmission and distribution technologies, grid digitalization solutions, and integrated energy system operations.
The ERC’s participation supports the implementation of the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Rules, which provide the regulatory framework for the nationwide deployment of smart meters and digital metering systems.
The ERC’s participation supports the implementation of the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Rules, which provide the regulatory framework for the nationwide deployment of smart meters and digital metering systems. Insights from the mission complement the AMI Rules, highlighting best practices in the use of data-driven technologies to improve billing accuracy, optimize system performance, empower consumers through timely and transparent access to energy information, and support more responsive and efficient utility operations.
The mission is expected to deliver measurable gains for the Philippine energy sector.
The mission is expected to deliver measurable gains for the Philippine energy sector by supporting the effective implementation of the AMI Rules and accelerating the adoption of smart grid technologies to improve system reliability, reduce system losses, and strengthen outage detection and response. It will also help shape forward-looking regulatory approaches that support the responsible use of AI and advanced analytics while reinforcing the cybersecurity of critical energy infrastructure.
Through international collaboration and knowledge-sharing initiatives such as this USTDA-led mission, the ERC continues to advance its agenda of modernizing regulatory processes, strengthening consumer protection, and promoting a secure, efficient, and future-ready electricity system that supports growing demand, renewable energy integration, and sustainable economic development.
