NPC participates in DOE FGDs on the Operationalization of the Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard (RPS) Off-Grid Rules

NPC has recently participated in a series of Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) on the Operationalization of the Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) in off-grid areas led by the Department of Energy in partnership with the Global Environment Facility

(GEF), United Nations Development Programme, Deutsche Gesellschaft for Internationale Zusammernarbeit GmbH (GIZ) and Institute of Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC) through the program, Clean, Affordable and Secure Energy (CASE) for Southeast Asia.

The FGDs, held in Cebu, Puerto Princesa, and Zamboanga on 12 May, 18-19 May and 24 May 2022, respectively, aimed to understand the situation in all isolated and off-grid areas to solicit valuable inputs from consumers, stakeholders, and communities, and help DOE to develop policies and guidelines in the effective implementation of the RPS Rules for Off-Grid areas. The draft policy aims to promote and facilitate the development and utilization of renewable energy in off-grid/isolated areas throughout the country.

RPS in the off-grid is seen to optimize the power supply mix in the missionary areas that are usually powered by expensive diesel fuel. Compliance with RPS will result in efficient use of the Universal Charge for Missionary Electrification (UCME), a better power supply in the off-grid/ missionary areas, and a cleaner environment.
Aside from NPC, DOE, and its partner agencies, other participants include the National Electrification Administration (NEA), New Power Providers (NPPs), Qualified Third Parties (QTPs), Distribution Utilities (DUs) and Local Government Units (LGUs).
In photos are FGDs in Palawan and Zamboanga.