ERC Collaborates with DHSUD and DOE to Support the Real Estate’s Digital Transformation

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) sealed its cooperation with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and the Department of Energy (DOE) through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on 9 September 2021. The ceremonial signing of the MOU was held during the virtual launching of the PropTech Consortium of the Philippines, Inc., a convergence of various leading companies/organizations that will leverage on digital innovation to help individuals or companies research, buy, sell, and manage real estate.

'The Tripartite MOU seeks to support the sustainable and digital transformation of the housing industry by making it greener, resilient, digitally connected and more inclusive, as we fight and rise above the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic and mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change,' ERC Chairperson and CEO Agnes VST Devanadera said.

Under the MOU, DSHUD shall engage DOE and/or ERC officials and staffs in capacity building activities on DSHUD's functions, including current policies and regulations for housing, human settlement, and urban development. It will also encourage stakeholders to undertake energy efficiency and conservation plans, programs and activities, and will also develop programs that will incentivize stakeholders in adhering to the requirements specified under the Guidelines on Energy Conserving Design of Buildings.

On the other hand, ERC will promote more digital transformation programs in the public sector in order to increase efficiency and transparency in securing permits and licenses. If needed, it will also develop and promulgate the relevant rules and regulations on new technologies that will create more utility savings for the RE-powered communities. Also, ERC will collaborate with the DHSUD, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Local Government Units (LGUs) in their establishment of programs in building solar-powered and solar net-metered communities all over the country.

The DOE, for its part, will prepare, integrate, coordinate, supervise and control all plans, programs, projects and activities of the Government pertaining to energy exploration, development, utilization, distribution and conservation. It will also, among others, train and assist the DHSUD and its officials and personnel in the proper implementation of R.A. No. 11285 or the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act and its relevant policies, guidelines and procedures.

'The MOU with the DHSUD and the DOE responds to the call of times as digital innovations has proliferated since the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, being the best and safest means of communication. This cooperation will propel the country's real estate industry into the globally competitive arena, as it integrates sustainable, resilient, and digital technologies', ERC Chair Devanadera added.

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