ERC grants interim approval for Meralco-GNPower deal

Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) and GNPower Dinginin Ltd. Co. have received interim regulatory approval from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) for their 100-megawatt power supply deal starting Tuesday, Aug. 26.

The ERC's order on Aug. 22 granted Meralco and GNPD permission to proceed with their agreement executed in September 2024 following a competitive selection process.

Under this interim relief, the proposed total base fee is set at P2.3055 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), which is lower than the previously approved rate for the same power plant.

ERC chairperson Atty. Francis Saturnino Juan stated that granting this interim relief enables vital power supply agreements to proceed while a final decision is being issued with due diligence.

The ERC directed GNPD to provide replacement power during planned or forced outages of the plant, and any increase in contracted capacity must be approved by ERC to ensure Meralco supplies electricity at the least-cost manner.