The Energy department expressed belief there is no need to amend the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (Epira) which has been blamed for the high cost of electricity in the country.
At a congressional hearing, Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla underscored that a “complimentary legislation” instead is needed to allow the Epira law achieve its purpose well.
“The DOE is for the passage of complimentary legislation to Epira and not to repeal it. In this regard, we propose for the passage of supplement legislation that will provide the frame work for declaring power projects as projects of national significance to avoid delays and bureaucratic processes in complying with necessary permits and licenses,” Petilla told members of the House committee on energy, chaired by Oriental Mindoro Rep. Rey Umali.
Petilla said Congress need not get rid of the Epira law, but only to have it fine-tuned, noting that the law “has worked to some extent.”
“We do not need to repeal [Epira]. What we need is to fine-tune the legislation. . . Fine-tune it with complimentary legislations,” Petilla said.
Currently, there are 14 bills and resolutions in the lower chamber calling for a repeal or a review or amendments to Epira.
Petilla said he is supporting efforts to amend the Epira law, particularly an amendment that would empower the government to put up new power plants that would act as a stand-by reserve in case of power shortages.
