House approves key energy bills for ERC, storage, workers

The House Committee on Energy has approved a set of priority bills aimed at strengthening the Energy Regulatory Commission, expanding energy storage systems, and protecting line workers in the power sector.

During its October 10 hearing, the committee advanced House Bills 855, 1555, 2901, and 4147 to reform the ERC, making it more responsive to the needs of distribution utilities, especially rural electric cooperatives.

These measures are intended to enhance regulatory support for utilities striving to meet compliance standards and maintain efficient, stable operations nationwide.

The committee also passed House Bill 865, which promotes the deployment of energy storage systems to improve grid reliability and support the integration of renewable energy.

The Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association Inc. (PHILRECA) welcomed the passage of the measures, calling them vital for modernizing the country’s energy system and securing the welfare of electric cooperative workers.

“Our line workers are an integral part of our operations, and they work under very dangerous conditions,” PHILRECA said in a statement shared via its official Facebook page.

“In fact, we would like to thank our electric cooperatives for deploying around 389 line workers during the recent typhoons,” the group added.

“These measures are very important to provide the right kind of protection for our linemen.”

The committee approved House Bills 867 and 3225, which would declare the first Monday of August as National Line Workers Appreciation Day to formally recognize the contributions of frontline personnel.

House Bills 868 and 2399, also approved, seek to mandate insurance coverage and expanded benefits for line workers, addressing what PHILRECA described as overdue protections.

Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez proposed the addition of hazard pay provisions to accompany the insurance package, a recommendation the committee agreed to consider further.

PHILRECA noted that many of the approved bills were filed by Power Bloc lawmakers such as APEC Party-list Rep. Sergio C. Dagooc and PhilRECA Party-list Rep. Presley C. de Jesus.

The association said these legislators have been consistent advocates for cooperative reform and rural electrification in Congress.

PHILRECA also committed to active participation in refining the legislation as it proceeds toward consolidation and plenary deliberation.

This engagement, the group said, would help ensure the final versions reflect the operational realities faced by electric cooperatives and their workforce.