21st Status Report on EPIRA Implementation

(PERIOD COVERING MAY 2012 TO OCTOBER 2012)

I. INTRODUCTION

The 21st Status Report on EPIRA implementation covering the period May 2012 to October 2012 embarks the current accomplishments and developments in the restructuring of the electric power industry as provisioned in Republic Act No. 9136, otherwise known as Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) of 2001. 

The present administration strongly pursues the reforms embodied in the EPIRA and is now in preparation for the implementation of retail competition of open access which is viewed to improve competition in the generation and supply sector and ultimately competitive cost of electricity. Public consultations were conducted on the general policies and guidelines that will govern the operations of RCOA while timelines for the implementation have been defined. 

There was no significant development made on the privatization of generating assets and IPP contracts except for the lifting of the temporary restraining order issued by the court in view of a petition filed by non-government organizations. The schemes for the privatization of remaining assets are now being studied carefully to balance with other EPIRA set goals. Indicative timelines have been set for each plant and IPP contracts as indicated in this report. 

In terms of ensuring supply security and reliability, the efforts were more focused in addressing the situation in Mindanao while for Luzon and Visayas, the long-term vision is to put in place and enforce a robust reliability standards while continuing to assist the private sector in general. 

The operations of the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market’s (WESM) continuous improvement were effected through the conducts of rules review and changes as necessary, regular audits and regular monitoring of the behavior of market participants.

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