ERC Enhances Regulatory Framework with ACEN Briefing Ahead of Australia Energy Market Study

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) conducted a technical briefing with ACEN on Tuesday to enhance its understanding of Australia’s electricity market operations and regulatory framework as part of its preparation for an official study visit to Australia.

During the session, ACEN provided the ERC’s Market Operations Service with a comprehensive overview of the Australian National Electricity Market (NEM). The briefing focused on price regulation mechanisms, renewable energy integration strategies, system reliability measures, and government policies that support Australia’s clean energy transition.

ACEN outlined Australia’s shift away from coal-fired generation toward renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and battery energy storage systems. The company also discussed consumer protection frameworks implemented in the Australian market, including market price caps and secondary caps designed to curb excessive price spikes—similar to pricing safeguards currently in place under the Philippine Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM).

The presentation further highlighted the Australian government’s use of long-term contracts and incentive schemes to attract renewable energy investment while ensuring consumer welfare. ACEN also explained key provisions of Australia’s Retail Competition and Open Access framework, which notably maintains a 0 kW threshold for participation.

Additionally, the briefing covered Australia’s electricity futures market, which allows stakeholders to trade power contracts in advance, providing a mechanism for price stability and risk management for both market players and consumers.

The ERC stated that the engagement will help deepen its understanding of international regulatory best practices, enabling the Commission to strengthen the Philippines’ transition toward a transparent, competitive, and sustainable electricity market.

The upcoming study visit to Australia underscores ERC’s ongoing commitment to modernizing electricity market operations and aligning national regulatory standards with global market trends.