Sunday, March 22, 2026

ERC to modernize meter approval rules, paving the way for advanced metering infrastructure

In a significant step toward modernizing the country’s electrical grid, the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) convened for its 25th Open Commission Meeting (OCM 25-2026) recently to deliberate on critical amendments to the rules governing meter product type approvals.

Presided over by Chairperson and CEO Atty. Francis Saturnino C. Juan, the Commission discussed a proposal from the ERC Consumer Affairs Service (CAS) designed to overhaul the existing, often cumbersome, approval process for electric meters.

The proposed revisions address long-standing bottlenecks in current resolutions. By streamlining the type-approval process, the ERC aims to:

  • Expedite Approvals: Reduce administrative delays to ensure new technology reaches the market faster.

  • Broaden Participation: Encourage more suppliers to enter the market, fostering competition and innovation.

  • Support AMI Rollout: Facilitate the nationwide implementation of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), a cornerstone of “smart grid” development.

  • Ensure Quality: Maintain rigorous standards to ensure that only high-quality, compliant meters are deployed to Filipino consumers. “This initiative underscores the Commission’s commitment to transparent and participatory rulemaking while reinforcing consumer protection and regulatory efficiency,” the ERC stated.

The ERC invites stakeholders, consumer groups, and industry players to participate in the rulemaking process through a series of scheduled consultations:

Date Region Format
April 13, 2026 Luzon Physical Consultation (Location TBD)
April 21, 2026 Visayas & Mindanao Virtual Consultation

The deadline for the submission of formal comments is May 8, 2026.

The meeting was attended by the full Commission, including Commissioners Floresinda G. Baldo-Digal, Marko Romeo L. Fuentes, Amante A. Liberato, and Paris G. Real, signaling a unified approach to these regulatory reforms.

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