Energy regulator moves to overhaul grid code

MANILA, Philippines – The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is moving to update the Philippine Grid Code as it seeks to strengthen the country’s transmission system and prepare the power grid for the growing share of renewable energy and emerging technologies.

In a statement on Monday, the ERC said the proposed Philippine Grid Code 2026 Edition would introduce updated technical standards, stronger reliability mechanisms and new provisions aimed at making the grid more resilient and capable of accommodating the country’s energy transition.

READ: ERC lets non-NGCP firms build transmission projects

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The proposed reforms come as the Philippines ramps up renewable energy development, requiring the transmission network to handle more variable power sources while maintaining system stability.

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ERC chair and CEO Francis Saturnino Juan said the updated Grid Code goes beyond a technical revision and is intended to prepare the country’s power system for long-term transformation.

“The Philippine Grid Code 2026 Edition is designed to ensure that as we bring in more renewable energy and advanced technologies, our grid remains stable, reliable, and secure,” Juan said.

READ: DOE, ERC told to ensure power plants have access to transmission grid

Among the proposed changes are provisions that will allow the grid to integrate variable renewable energy and emerging technologies, including battery energy storage systems (BESS), pumped-storage hydropower, compressed air energy storage, flywheel energy storage, onshore and offshore wind power plants, ground-mounted and floating solar photovoltaic (PV) facilities as well as nuclear power plants.

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The draft code also introduces technical requirements for solar PV facilities integrated with BESS using grid-forming inverters, alongside standards for other BESS installations using the same technology to improve grid stability and system response.

Other proposed reforms include enhanced cybersecurity requirements, updated grid planning standards, expanded reserve and reliability mechanisms. INQ

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