DOE, ERC Ink Data Deal to Boost Energy Reforms

The Department of Energy (DOE) and the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) have signed a landmark data-sharing agreement aimed at strengthening energy governance, transparency, and regulatory efficiency in the Philippines.

The agreement, finalized at the DOE central office in Taguig City, is expected to streamline inter-agency data exchange, enabling more evidence-based policymaking and enhanced public service delivery across the country’s energy sector.

Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla and ERC Chairperson and CEO Atty. Monalisa C. Dimalanta led the ceremonial signing, formalizing a framework for structured, secure information exchange between the two key institutions.

“This data-sharing agreement would enable better data exchange to address the complex and evolving challenges in the energy sector,” said Lotilla. “Through this partnership, we are laying the foundation for a more responsive, efficient, and inclusive energy sector—one that is grounded in evidence, guided by transparency, and committed to delivering affordable, sustainable, and reliable energy for all Filipinos.”

The collaboration will cover a broad range of energy sector operations including power generation, transmission development, grid integration, electricity distribution systems, off-grid electrification, and market operations.

The agreement also supports the implementation of the Energy Regulation (ER) 1-94 program, which manages the equitable sharing of benefits from power generation projects with host communities.

Designated personnel from both the DOE and ERC will be responsible for managing the data exchange, ensuring that relevant information is transferred efficiently, accurately, and within the parameters of the agreement.

The deal mandates strict compliance with data security protocols to safeguard confidentiality, uphold integrity, and ensure the appropriate use of information throughout the entire data lifecycle.

“Data is at the core of responsive regulation,” said Dimalanta. “This Agreement allows the ERC to better assess system performance, anticipate emerging issues, and design regulatory interventions that truly reflect conditions on the ground.”

She emphasized that the new system will minimize redundant reporting by stakeholders, easing the administrative burden for industry players who are often required to submit the same data to multiple agencies.

“More importantly, this institutionalizes a culture of openness and cooperation that is essential to achieving our shared goal of delivering reliable and affordable electricity to all Filipinos,” Dimalanta added.

Both the DOE and ERC underscored that all data transmissions under the agreement will be governed by clearly defined operational procedures to ensure transparency, accountability, and effective collaboration.

The agencies also hope the agreement will serve as a model for other government entities to establish similar partnerships aimed at improving sectoral governance through data-driven decision-making.

This comes as the Philippines intensifies its energy transition efforts, with recent initiatives focused on improving grid reliability, expanding renewable energy access, and enhancing consumer protection amid rising electricity rates.

In February, the DOE reported a PHP 1.6 billion allocation from the Energy Development and Utilization Program to fund energy resilience and electrification projects nationwide.

Meanwhile, the ERC has also ramped up its oversight mechanisms, particularly in addressing system losses and monitoring power supply agreements, as part of its consumer welfare agenda.

The newly signed data-sharing framework is expected to further align the mandates of both agencies by eliminating data silos and fostering real-time analytics that inform energy planning and regulatory action.

According to the Philippine Energy Plan 2020–2040, the country’s energy demand is projected to triple by 2040, driven by population growth, urbanization, and industrial development—making coordinated governance more critical than ever.

By leveraging shared data, the DOE and ERC aim to proactively identify bottlenecks, optimize investments, and enhance the delivery of reliable energy services, especially in underserved and off-grid areas.

As the energy landscape grows increasingly complex—with the rise of distributed energy resources, energy storage systems, and digitalization—officials say access to high-quality, timely data will be essential to effective regulation and planning.

“This isn’t just about better spreadsheets or faster reports,” said an energy official familiar with the matter. “It’s about building the institutional backbone needed to support a modern, inclusive, and resilient energy future.”

The agreement also supports the government’s broader Open Government Partnership commitments, which advocate for transparency, citizen engagement, and innovation in public service delivery.

In the long run, sector leaders say, initiatives like this will help align the country’s regulatory framework with international best practices and investor expectations.

The DOE and ERC expect to begin implementing the data-sharing protocols immediately, with periodic reviews to ensure the arrangement adapts to future needs and technological advancements.