Energy Secretary

  • He boldly initiated reforms and advocated programs on transparency and consumer empowerment, at times gaining the ire of big industry players because of these initiatives. As part of these initiatives, he created the websites www.kuryente.org.phwhere the public can view and compare the profile of all cooperatives/distribution utilities including the cost of electricity in their respective areas of coverage and www.wattmatters.org.ph where the public can view and compare the electric consumption of commonly used appliances.
  • He initiated reforms in the Investment Promotions Office (IPO) of the department to streamline important processes and transactions. For example, the application process for renewable energy service contracts was reduced from the original 120 days to 45 days.
  • He pushed for energy reforms such as the Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA) and Competitive Selection Process (CSP) both in a bid to lower down power rates.
  • He pushed for the implementation of the Feed In Tariff (FIT) Rule, the Must Dispatch Rule and the Reserve Market all in a bid to promote the renewable energy investment.
  • He pioneered the Solar PV Program for academic institutions and government buildings within Metro Manila in a bid to promote clean and renewable energy.
  • He pushed for the Interruptible Load Program (ILP) as a measure to ensure energy supply security during critical peak hours at the height of the impending summer power shortfall.
  • He actively promoted the Energy Efficiency Campaign “Energy Sense, Save Cents” to manage the demand side of the industry during the summer power shortfall.
  • He pushed for the development of Regional Energy Plan in consultation with stakeholders in areas with unique power supply and demand requirements (i.e. Mindanao Energy Plan, Palawan Energy Plan).
  • He spearheaded the quickest power restoration activities in disaster-affected areas (i.e. 30 days after the Bohol earthquake and 40 days after super typhoon Yolanda).
  • His political expertise and sound judgment became helpful in initiating practical solutions for electric cooperatives with financial woes through dialogues with LGUs, consumers and energy stakeholders.