THE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has approved an information technology project that will automate the processes involved in monitoring pending energy industry cases as part of the agency’s “zero backlog” program.
In a resolution, the ERC approved what it calls the “ERC Web Portal For Interactive and Systematic Exchange” or eWISE on June 19, 2018, or days after news came out that its four commissioners had been suspended anew by the Ombudsman.
The ERC’s eWISE project was started in the third quarter of 2014. It had the World Bank engaging Castalia Strategic Advisors (CSA), a consulting firm that specializes in governance and regulation of infrastructure services, to assess and provide solutions to improve the processes and system.
“We have entered a new regime where consumer benefit consciousness is given utmost consideration,” said ERC Chairman Agnes T. Devanadera in a statement on eWISE’s launch on June 27, 2018.
The eWISE provides for the automation of ERC processes for transparency and accountability towards regulatory efficiency, the agency said.
The eWISE automates the filing of applications; electronically compiles data; and allows comparison of data submitted in various cases by the same entity.
The system will also facilitate generation of reports for pre- and post-analytics of regulatory policies; and enables a modified paperless internal system.
It is also expected to help the ERC achieve a zero case backlog “thereby ensuring that the commitments and deliverables of the agency are met with professionalism and efficiency.”
ERC is one of the cooperating agencies to the Access to Sustainable Energy Programme (ASEP), a World Bank-assisted project that started in April 2016.
ASEP is a four-year collaboration between the European Union and the Philippines to achieve inclusive economic growth and 90% household electrification.
One of the components of ASEP is technical assistance and capacity building for the ERC in its regulatory functions.
The World Bank engaged SRA Information Technology, a global provider of software solutions and environmental data management systems, and CSA to revise and streamline the ERC’s work processes.
In January 2017, SRA developed an IT system, an interactive portal for regulated entities to engage with the ERC, and for the ERC to manage submissions and tracking of regular filings, requests for approvals and other requirements. — Victor V. Saulon
