Electricity Policy in the Philippines: Overview and Synthesis

• Main Authors: Ravago, Majah-Leah V, Danao, Rolando A, Roumasset, James
• Format: text
• Published: Archīum Ateneo 2018
• Subjects: Economics; Growth and Development
• Online Access: https://archium.ateneo.edu/economics-faculty-pubs/32; https://press.up.edu.ph/store/books/view_item/703
• Institution: Ateneo De Manila University

The Philippines continues to be the fastest growing economy in Southeast Asia, the current buoyant period having started only in 2010, a stark contrast to the boom and bust cycles of the past. An often-mentioned challenge to the aspirations of Philippine citizens is the high cost of power, which threatens the sustainability of a healthy economic transformation. In order to help ensure the longevity of the country's positive economic performance, it is important to focus on areas that drive the country's growth. Evidence shows that growth and its inclusivity are strongly associated with lower electricity prices, which help sustain manufacturing growth and its effects on productivity. Sound energy policies are at the heart of sustainable development. As part of its mandate to formulate coherent and evidence-based policies and strategies, the Energy Policy and Development Program (EPDP) has produced a number of research studies addressing the pressing issues in the Philippine energy sector related to the developmental goals of the country. Specifically, the studies in this book aim to help guide energy policies that can contribute to the power sector's ability to stimulate economic development and promote consumer welfare. This book contains many of EPDP's research endeavors and provides an economic reference on the Philippine power sector with practical insights and recommendations for energy stakeholders. It is divided into five sections, starting with an overview and synthesis. Section I sets the tone by providing an application of Public Economics to the Philippine power industry.