Center for Energy Research and Policy Launches to Guide Philippines’ Energy Strategy

QUEZON CITY, Philippines – The Center for Energy Research and Policy (CERP), a newly established think tank, made its debut on Wednesday with the mission to provide policy recommendations aimed at enhancing the Philippine energy sector’s development and stability. Founded by lawyer Noel Baga, a former executive assistant at the Department of Energy (DOE), CERP seeks to contribute to the nation’s pursuit of energy security and sustainable development.

According to Philippines News Agency, the CERP’s inaugural event in Quezon City served as a platform to unveil its strategic policy recommendations designed to support the government’s energy objectives. The think tank endorses the Marcos administration’s initiative to tap into indigenous energy resources and attract necessary investments to bolster infrastructure and technological innovation within the sector.

Key proposals from CERP emphasize the diversification of energy sources and the modernization of the national grid to enhance reliability and reduce power outages. Additionally, the think tank advocates for promoting competitive practices in the energy market, enforcing robust regulations for power generation companies, and updating the Philippine Grid Code to refine grid management practices.

To diminish the country’s dependency on imported energy, CERP recommends expanding the renewable energy portfolio and strengthening infrastructure resilience against natural calamities and external geopolitical pressures. The think tank also proposes measures to make electricity more affordable, such as increasing market competition, introducing targeted subsidies, and revising tax policies affecting the energy sector.

Addressing nationwide electrification challenges, CERP supports swift legislative action to broaden electricity access, particularly for remote and underserved communities. Furthermore, the think tank underscores the importance of transitioning toward cleaner energy sources, enhancing energy efficiency, and aligning national policies with global climate change mitigation efforts to curb carbon emissions effectively.

Through these strategic recommendations, CERP aims to play a pivotal role in shaping the Philippines’ energy policy landscape, fostering a secure, sustainable, and equitable energy future for the country.