Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) chairperson Francis Saturnino Juan said on Monday the agency is preparing a 2026 strategic agenda designed to strengthen consumer protection and modernize regulatory processes to attract more power sector investment.
The regulator aims to address long-standing backlogs and promote competition within the electric power industry. Juan, who described the vision as a “New ERC,” said the commission would focus on transparency and public engagement to improve consumer welfare.
The strategy centers on five primary directions: fair rate setting, timely case resolution, robust market oversight, a stable regulatory environment and proactive leadership. Juan said the commission would enforce least-cost obligations and complete delayed regulatory resets for distribution utilities.
To support the transition to cleaner energy, the regulator will establish pricing frameworks for emerging technologies including offshore wind and liquefied natural gas. The agency plans to update market rules and technical standards to accommodate these new energy sources.
