The Energy Regulatory Commission adopted an Alternative Dispute Resolution policy and manual to standardize and streamline the implementation of ADR mechanisms, fostering innovation in dispute resolution within the energy sector.
The commission, in Resolution No. 5, Series of 2025, promulgated on Feb. 26, 2025, laid down the ADR policy and issued the ADR manual.
The ADR policy aims to provide speedy, cost-effective and impartial means of settling disputes for all stakeholders of the ERC. It will complement the existing Revised Rules of Practice and Procedure on consumer complaints, where sections on ADR may be expanded to improve dispute resolution processes.
ADR refers to settling disputes outside the courtroom, without judicial proceedings, such as negotiation, mediation, conciliation, expert appraisal, neutral evaluation and arbitration.
“The commission actively encourages and promotes ADR as a means to expedite conflict resolution between regulated entities and consumers,” ERC chairperson and CEO Monalisa Dimalanta said.
“With the institutionalization of our ADR policy, we are providing consumers and regulated entities with a more efficient avenue for resolving disputes,” she said.
