Napirmahan na ni Pangulong Duterte noong Enero 21 ang Republic Act 11646 o ang Microgrid Systems Act na pangunahing isinulong ng Power Bloc.
Sa ilalim ng RA 11646, mas pinaigting ang mandato ng gobyerno na mapailawan ang buong bansa at makamit ang Total Rural Electrification lalo na sa mga “unserved at underserved areas” o mga “remote communities”. Matatawag na “unserved” ang mga lugar na walang access sa kuryente habang “underserved” naman ang mga lugar na pinapailawan ng mga koooperatiba ngunit hindi umaabot sa 24 oras ang suplay ng kuryente sa isang araw.
Ang mga sumusunod ay mga probisyon ng batas na isinulong ng Power Bloc:
The DOE declared unserved and underserved areas shall be subjected to CSP (Competitive Selection Process). All CSPs shall: Prioritize low-cost, indegenous, renewable, and environment-friendly sources of energy.
A DU’s MGSP (Microgrid System Provider) may tender a lower offer in every CSP it participates in within its franchise area.
In the event there are no offers from any MGSP for a particular DU identified unserved area, the DU shall electrify the area through a DU operated microgrid system within eighteen (18) months from the lapse of the thirty (30) calendar day period for MGSPs to tender an all-in price offer.
Only MGSPs and DU operated microgrid systems that operate in unserved areas and underserved areas not connected to the grid or within a franchise area where the distribution system is not yet connected to the grid may be entitled to avail of the UCME.
In the event of a distribution grid extension, upon the expiration of the MSC (microgrid service contract), and upon the decision of the DU to acquire the microgrid system, the ERC shall review the application of the DU to connect the microgrid system to the distribution grid pursuant to the equitable recovery mechanism.
The DOE shall determine a detailed procedure for the transition of service from the NPC or a DU to an MGSP, or from an MGSP to a DU or another MGSP, whichever is applicable.
The NPC shall release the UCME subsidy within forty-five (45) calendar days from the submission of the UCME subsidy claim with complete documentary requirements.
A DU may enter into a joint venture for the installation and operation of microgrid systems.
Only a joint venture for the installation and operation of microgrid systems where the DU owns at least fifty-one percent (51%) of capital shall be considered as a DU operated microgrid system or a DU’s MGSP.
DUs shall be allowed to impose a separate rate in DU identified unserved areas served by a DU operated microgrid system or DOE declared unserved and underserved areas served by a DU’s MGSP.
Any cross-subsidy between the end-users of the DU operated microgrid system or the DU’s MGSP and the other end-users of the DU shall be prohibited.
Expiration of Microgrid System Provider Service Contract. – In the event of a distribution grid extension upon the expiration of an MSC, the DU shall have the option to acquire the microgrid system of the MGSP, and resume its obligation to provide distribution services and connection, and supply electricity to the said area subject to the approval of the ERC.
Non-Disqualification from Extension of Franchise. – The presence of an MGSP in the franchise area of a DU shall not disqualify the said DU from seeking a renewal of its Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity from the ERC or an extension of the term of its franchise from Congress.
Malugod na nagpahayag ng kanyang pasasalamat si PHILRECA Party-List Representative Presley De Jesus, isa sa mga nagsulong ng batas na ito: “Malaking tulong ang batas na ito upang sa wakas ay magkaroon ng kuryente ang ating mga kababayan na hindi pa nakakaranas ng kanilang karapatan sa pailaw. Kaya’t masaya kami sa sektor ng enerhiya sa pagpasa ng batas na ito.”
Ayon naman kay APEC Party-List Representative Sergio Dagooc ay “napapanahon” ang pagpasa ng batas na ito.
“Isang tagumpay ito lalo na sa panahon ngayon na maituturing na napakahalagang parte ng araw-araw na buhay ang pagkakaroon ng kuryente. Sa wakas ay hindi na mababalot sa dilim ang ating mga kababayan; at unti-unti na nilang mararamdaman ang pag-usad na dala ng elektripikasyon sa kanayunan,”ayon sa mambabatas.
Dagdag naman ni RECOBODA Party-List Representative Godofredo Guya, “Matagal rin naming hinintay na maisabatas ito. Ang pagkakaroon ng kuryente ay isa ng karapatan at nararapat lang na matulungan ang ating mga kababayan lalo na ‘yung nasa malalayong parte ng bansa na hirap sa pailaw. Maraming salamat sa mga nakibaka upang maisabatas ito.”
Diin naman ni Ako Padayon Pilipino Party-List Representative Adriano Ebcas, “sa pamamagitan ng batas na ito, patuloy na magkakaroon ng maaasahan na suplay kuryente para sa online schooling at trabaho ang bawat Pilipino saan man sa bansa.”