Philippine energy regulator is headed by lawyer Francis Saturnino Juan, following an installation process
New ERC Chairperson Francis Saturnino Juan Set to Drive Renewable Energy Goals
Francis Saturnino Juan, a seasoned energy regulatory expert, has been appointed as the new chairperson of the Philippines Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), effective August 8, 2025. Juan's extensive background in energy regulation, having served as ERC executive director, general counsel, and president of the Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines (IEMOP), positions him well to steer the ERC towards advancing the country's renewable energy targets.
Juan played a crucial role in establishing the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM), the country's trading floor for electricity, and has been an advocate for consumer protection, tariff reform, and renewable energy development through tariff reforms. Although specific details about his involvement in the Green Energy Auction Programme (GEAP) are not readily available, his advocacy for renewable energy and tariff reforms, coupled with his leadership roles aimed at promoting renewables, suggest that under his chairmanship, the ERC will continue or strengthen efforts like the GEAP.
The GEAP is a mechanism to facilitate competitive bidding for renewable energy capacity in the Philippines. The Department of Energy (DOE) has recently released the terms of reference for the fourth round of the GEAP, bidding 10,478 megawatts (MW) of capacity from solar, onshore wind, and integrated energy storage technologies. The ERC is responsible for setting the price for the renewable energy capacities for bidding in GEAP, a policy aimed at helping the country achieve a 35% renewable energy target by 2030, as set under the Renewable Energy Act of 2008.
Juan's impact on renewable energy targets is anticipated to be positive given his prior record advocating renewable energy development and tariff reforms supporting renewables. As chairperson, he is likely to steer the ERC towards policies that encourage renewable energy adoption, promote market competitiveness, and protect consumers, thus advancing the country's renewable energy goals.
Meanwhile, Monalisa Dimalanta, the outgoing ERC chief, has resigned from her post, cutting short her seven-year term. However, the DOE has assured that the ERC would not see any energy policy shifts despite Dimalanta's sudden departure. The appointment of Juan comes at a time when the Philippines' DOE is easing energy investment restrictions, introducing a competitive auction system to attract funding.
Juan, a law graduate of the University of the Philippines, currently leads IEMOP. His expertise and pro-consumer stance suggest he may emphasize efficient, transparent regulatory frameworks to support renewable energy targets. With Juan at the helm, the ERC is poised to play a significant role in advancing the Philippines’ renewable energy targets through the ERC's regulatory mechanisms.
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As the new chairperson of the ERC, Francis Saturnino Juan is expected to drive the renewable energy goals of the Philippines, given his extensive background in energy regulation and advocacy for renewable energy development. Juan's role in the ERC is crucial for the success of the Green Energy Auction Programme (GEAP), a mechanism designed to facilitate competitive bidding for renewable energy capacity in the Philippines, whichis aimed at helping the country achieve a 35% renewable energy target by 2030. Additionally, Juan's leadership is anticipated to promote market competitiveness, efficient regulatory frameworks, and consumer protection in the energy industry, particularly in relation to renewable energy finance.
