As the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) intensifies its initiatives to connect with remote areas nationwide, it has reached Visayas and Dinagat Island to better understand the challenges faced by electric cooperatives (ECs) in these regions through its ERC Caravan. “The ERC expanded the scope of the caravan; not only will we discuss your power supply agreements but also work towards finding solutions to your other concerns. Our goal is to understand better and collaborate with you to find solutions to what your member-consumer-owners are going through. Let me underscore our commitment to facilitate the attainment of a reliable electric power supply. We have here with us those who also wish to help you, such as NEA, NPC, DOE, DSWD, PHILGUARANTEE and Land Bank of the Philippines,” ERC Chairperson and CEO Monalisa Dimalanta emphasized. “I, myself have been moving around, visiting the ECs, and to really see the situation on the ground. Let me express my appreciation to ERC for bringing ourselves closer to our electric cooperatives,” Nationa Electrification Administration (NEA) Administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda said. APEC Party List Representative Sergio Dagooc expressed his appreciation to the ERC on the conduct of the caravan and coming together to address prevalent problems and discuss workable remedies. He likewise stressed on the importance of the PSA template which would fast track the evaluation of applications. Representatives from Bantayan Island Electric Cooperative, Inc. (BANELCO), Camotes Electric Cooperative, Inc. (CELCO), Dinagat Island Electric Cooperative, Inc. (DIELCO), and Province of Siquijor ElectricCooperative, Inc. (PROSIELCO) actively engaged in the discussions on the initial assessment of their Power Supply Agreements (PSAs) including the common issues and suggested solutions as discussed by resource speakers from ERC, Atty. Bea Constancia B. Batino and Atty. Jemima Rachel Cruz of the Legal Service. Jocelyn S. Pante of the Regulatory Operations Service - Investigation and Enforcement Division for Distribution Utilities provided updates on the new lifeline rate program, and Engr. Franz Xyrlo I. Tobias of the Market Operations Service - Renewable Energy Division discussed the renewable energy programs. The next ERC caravan is scheduled to be held in Zamboanga City before the end of November.