ERC Chair Urges Immediate Off-Grid Development for Inclusive Growth

ERC Chair Dimalanta urges swift off-grid development for inclusivity amidst pressing energy challenges.

Monalisa C. Dimalanta, Chairperson and CEO of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), emphasized the pressing need for prioritizing the development of off-grid regions in the Philippines to foster inclusive growth.

Speaking at the launch of the Grid Modernization and Hybridization Guidebook for Off-grid Electric Cooperatives, organized by Climate Smart Ventures (CSV), Dimalanta underscored the necessity for swift action to bolster the resilience of remote areas.

The guidebook, a collaborative effort by CSV, provides communities with strategies for modernization and utilizing various power sources. Dimalanta highlighted electric cooperatives (ECs) as pivotal in driving innovation and progress in off-grid electrification.

In her address, Dimalanta emphasized the crucial role of overhauling distribution and transmission systems to seamlessly integrate diverse power sources. She argued that such strategic interventions are vital for optimizing the energy mix and meeting the escalating energy demands of underserved communities.

Recent developments, such as DMCI Power Corp.’s increased electricity provision to off-grid regions in 2023 and the National Power Corporation’s (Napocor) proposed augmented electricity rates for off-grid regions in 2024, highlight the challenges facing off-grid communities in accessing affordable and reliable power.

These developments underscore the urgency of Dimalanta’s call to action and the necessity for a comprehensive approach to address the quandary of off-grid electrification in the Philippines.

Dimalanta’s appeal resonates amidst growing concerns regarding climate change and the need to bridge the energy deficit. As the nation stands at a critical juncture in its energy journey, her call for synchronized action heralds a future where inclusivity and sustainability converge, ultimately benefiting all Filipinos.

Source: ERC Chairperson Underscores Need To Develop Off-Grid Areas For Inclusive Growth