Guiding Principles
- Distribution Utilities must comply with all technical, performance, financial standards of PGC and PDC.
- Utilities must submit Statements of Compliance to the ERC for both Codes.
- If non-compliance exists, a Compliance Plan must be submitted for ERC approval.
- ERC evaluates Statements of Compliance and Compliance Plans, approving or requiring revisions.
Scope of Application
- Applies to all electric power distribution utilities including:
- Privately-owned utilities
- Electric cooperatives
- LGU-owned utilities
- Entities authorized within economic zones
- Other authorized distribution entities
Definition of Key Terms
- Compliance Plan: Detailed plan of activities/projects to achieve full compliance.
- Measurements: Specific criteria by which compliance is assessed.
- Reporting Entity: Electric utility submitting documents to ERC.
- Responsible or Authorized Person: Official certifying correctness of submissions.
- Standard: Specific PGC or PDC provisions for compliance.
- Statement of Compliance: Self-assessed certified compliance report.
- Templates: Standardized forms used for submission.
- "Connection Point" varies by Code context; compliance measurements mainly apply to end-users with ≥1 MW peak demand.
Statements of Compliance
- Two Statements required from Distributors: to PGC and to PDC.
- Documentation must include degree of compliance or non-compliance with justifications and evidence.
- Certification required from authorized personnel with specified basis of authority.
- ERC evaluates compliance level per prescribed standards.
Compliance Plan Requirements
- Needed when there is non-compliance with any standard.
- Must provide detailed activities, project schedules, costs, and justifications.
- Certified by authorized individual.
- ERC evaluates and approves submitted plans.
Filing Requirements for Statement of Compliance
- Submission using ERC-provided Templates (Schedule-A and Schedule-B).
- Templates comprise:
- Part I: Description of Standard, relevant PGC/PDC provisions, and compliance measurements.
- Part II: Self-assessment and certification regarding degree of compliance.
- Five compliance status levels: Full Compliance, and Non-Compliance Levels 1-3, plus Compliance Not Ascertained.
- Supporting documents required.
- Submitted under oath.
Filing Requirements for Compliance Plan
- Submission using specified Templates (Schedules C-F).
- Must include plan reference number, activity title, list of violated standards, schedule, and costs broken down by category.
- Must justify activities with technical and financial analyses.
- Engineering design and detailed cost estimates attached if applicable.
- Summary templates to consolidate detailed plans.
- Compliance Plan certification and oath submission required.
Procedures for Filing, Evaluation, and Approval
- ERC provides Templates electronically.
- Reporting Entity files three hard copies and three electronic copies at ERC office.
- Filing fee required.
- ERC checks completeness within 60 days, requests revisions if incomplete.
- ERC verifies data and approves or returns for revisions.
- Revised submissions follow the same procedures.
Reportorial Requirements and Monitoring
- After approval, regular progress and cost reports must be submitted per ERC schedule.
- ERC monitors implementation and compliance with approved plans.
Administrative Sanctions
- Violations subject to penalties under ERC's administrative sanctions guidelines pursuant to Section 46 of R.A. 9136.
Separability Clause
- If part of the Guidelines is declared invalid or unconstitutional, unaffected provisions remain in force.
Effectivity
- Guidelines take effect immediately upon publication or electronic posting.
This comprehensive framework establishes procedures and standards for Distribution Utilities to ensure continuous compliance with the Philippine Grid and Distribution Codes, promotes accountability, and protects public interest through regulatory oversight by the Energy Regulatory Commission.