ERC: Western Visayas blackout probe in 6-8 weeks, sanctions, refunds

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) expects to complete its investigation into the Western Visayas power outage within six to eight weeks.

During a Saturday News Forum in Quezon City, ERC chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta stated that both National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) and power plant operators could face accountability for the blackout.

Dimalanta noted that possible sanctions will be determined after the investigation, emphasizing that lapses by power plants under the Grid Code may also incur penalties.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. directed ERC to expedite the rate reset review for NGCP in response to the Western Visayas power crisis.

The PHP7.09 billion difference between NGCP's annual revenue requirement and the amount collected from consumers will likely be refunded, resulting in lower transmission rates on electricity bills.

ERC chairperson Dimalanta also emphasized that NGCP was not solely responsible for the incident; other operators of tripped power plants could face penalties as well.