Several groups expressed dismay over the decision of the Energy Regulatory Commission to reject the petition for intervention filed by the Power for People (P4P) Coalition against Manila Electric Co.’s power supply agreements with seven generators.
“The rejection of the petition is not only a rejection of the consumer’s right to transparency and accountability from distribution utilities like Meralco and the ERC, it also rejects their right to choose cheaper and cleaner energy alternatives than those offered by Meralco and its partners,” said Center for Energy, Ecology and Development executive director Gerry Arances in a statement.
CEED, along with Sanlakas, Philippine Movement for Climate Justice, Freedom from Debt Coalition, Koalisyong Pabahay ng Pilipinas and other member organizations of the Power for People filed petitions questioning Meralco’s PSAs.
The groups alleged that Meralco engaged in “sweetheart deals” by entering into PSAs with some of its sister companies or affliates.
“These sweetheart deals between Meralco and Meralco-owned coal companies are clear attempts to box out competition, particularly those from the renewable energy sector offering to sell power generated at a much lower cost,” said Arances.