Republic Act No. 9136, also known as the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA), turned 25 this year, prompting reflections from industry observers on its economic impact. BusinessWorld published a two-part opinion series examining the law’s legacy, with the second part appearing on July 3, 2026.
Enacted in June 2001, EPIRA aimed to restructure the Philippine electricity sector, introduce competition, and privatize state-owned assets. The law created the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) and the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to oversee the industry. Over the past quarter-century, it has driven significant changes in power generation, transmission, and distribution.
The opinion piece revisits milestones and challenges, including power pricing, supply adequacy, and the transition to renewable energy. As the sector continues to evolve, the 25-year mark serves as a moment to assess whether EPIRA’s original goals have been met and what reforms may still be needed for a more efficient and consumer-friendly power industry.