Attorney Francis Saturnino Juan appointed as head of the Philippines' energy regulatory body.
The Department of Energy (DOE) has announced the terms of reference for the fourth round of the Green Energy Auction Programme (GEAP), with a capacity of 10,478 megawatts (MW) up for bidding from solar, onshore wind, and integrated energy storage technologies. This announcement comes at a significant time, with the appointment of Francis Saturnino Juan as the new head of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).
Francis Saturnino Juan, a veteran energy lawyer and seasoned expert, has been appointed as the new chairperson of the ERC by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, effective 8th August. Juan brings decades of experience in the energy sector, having previously served as executive director and general counsel of the ERC. He is also the current president of the Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines (IEMOP), which operates the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM), the country's trading floor for electricity.
Juan's role at the ERC involves leading the commission to achieve more efficient, transparent, and pro-consumer regulatory decision-making processes. Notably, he was instrumental in operationalizing the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market, a crucial component of the electricity market framework in the Philippines.
In the renewable energy sector, Juan is recognised for his advocacy for consumer protection and promoting renewable energy development through tariff reforms. His leadership is expected to further this agenda, helping facilitate tariff structures conducive to renewable energy growth and ensuring fair regulation that benefits consumers and encourages sustainable energy sources.
The GEAP is one of the policies put in place to help the Philippines achieve the 35 per cent renewable energy target by 2030, as set under the Renewable Energy Act of 2008. The ERC is responsible for setting the price for the renewable energy capacities for bidding in GEAP. Renewable energy firms in the Philippines sell power directly through WESM, where dispatching energy generation is dependent on which power company makes the lowest bid.
The appointment of Juan comes at a time when the DOE is easing energy investment restrictions by introducing a competitive auction system. This move is expected to attract more investments in the renewable energy sector, furthering the country's goal of increasing its renewable energy capacity.
Juan is a law graduate of the University of the Philippines. His appointment as the new head of the ERC marks a crucial step in the Philippines' pursuit of its renewable energy goals. As the country moves towards a more sustainable energy future, Juan's expertise and leadership will undoubtedly play a significant role in achieving these objectives.
[1] Inquirer.net. (2022, August 4). Marcos appoints Francis Saturnino Juan as new ERC chairperson. Retrieved from https://business.inquirer.net/333710/marcos-appoints-francis-saturnino-juan-as-new-erc-chairperson
[2] Rappler. (2022, August 4). Francis Saturnino Juan appointed as new ERC chairperson. Retrieved from https://www.rappler.com/nation/government/372314-francis-saturnino-juan-erc-chairperson
[3] GMA News Online. (2022, August 4). New ERC head Francis Saturnino Juan: From lawyer to market operator to regulator. Retrieved from https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/business/companies/856819/new-erc-head-francis-saturnino-juan-from-lawyer-to-market-operator-to-regulator/story/
[4] Manila Bulletin. (2022, August 4). Marcos appoints Francis Saturnino Juan as new ERC chairperson. Retrieved from https://business.mb.com.ph/2022/08/04/marcos-appoints-francis-saturnino-juan-as-new-erc-chairperson/
- "Under the leadership of the newly appointed ERC chairperson, Francis Saturnino Juan, the Energy Regulatory Commission is expected to prioritize the energy transition, focusing on fair regulation that benefits consumers and encourages sustainable energy sources in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)."
- "As the Philippines continues its pursuit of the 35% renewable energy target by 2030, the appointment of sports lawyer turned energy expert, Francis Saturnino Juan, as the ERC chairperson, could significantly boost investments in renewable energy, especially in sports facilities powered by renewable energy sources, contributing to a greener and more sustainable sports sector."