Filipino consumers and energy stakeholders can expect a new and revitalized Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), as ERC Chairperson and CEO Atty. Francis Saturnino C. Juan takes the helm of the Commission.
Chairperson Juan made this commitment during the joint awarding ceremony of the National Electrification Administration’s (NEA) 2025 Lumens Awards and the Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association, Inc. (PHILRECA) Awards from the Wires 2025, held on 9 August 2025 at the SMX Convention Center in Bacolod City.
Speaking before an audience of electric cooperative (EC) representatives, whom he called the “unsung heroes” of the country’s electrification drive, Juan said the ERC is moving beyond an era marked by bottlenecks, delays, and perceived divisions between the regulator and its regulated entities.
“We are leaving behind the notion of a divide between the regulator and those being regulated. We are moving towards a future defined by collaboration, efficiency, and a shared sense of purpose,” he said. “Starting Monday, you will experience a new ERC—revitalized, reoriented, and ready to regulate the power industry effectively. We are on the brink of a significant transformation: streamlining our procedures, boosting our technical capabilities, and fostering a culture of service and urgency. Our mission is straightforward: to regulate the power industry in a way that is effective, efficient, and, most importantly, prioritizes the welfare of consumers.”
Under this new ERC, Chairperson Juan cited reforms that will center on a “culture of service and urgency,” delivering faster and more predictable processes, clearer timelines, and shorter hearing periods—changes that will benefit both consumers and regulated entities.
He also vowed to take a more proactive approach to engagement with energy stakeholders. “We will go beyond just waiting for your filings and petitions. We will aim for earlier dialogue, clearer guidelines and collaborative problem-solving before formal submissions hit roadblocks. We will treat you not just as regulated entities but as indispensable partners in achieving energy security.”
Chairperson Juan also underscored that all ERC actions will be conducted through a consumer-centric lens. “Every decision we make and every approval we grant will be evaluated for its impact on consumers—ensuring affordability, reliability, and sustainability,” he said.
As he concluded his message, Chairperson Juan reaffirmed: “The new ERC is ready. Let’s move forward together.”
