The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is set to issue a show cause order against Solar Para sa Bayan Corporation (SPBC), owned by Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste, over allegations that the company operated and charged electricity rates without the required permits.
According to the ERC, SPBC reportedly operated in Paluan, Occidental Mindoro and other off-grid areas without securing mandatory regulatory approvals, including an Authority to Operate and Certificates of Compliance for its power generation facilities.
The commission stressed that despite SPBC being granted a 25-year franchise under Republic Act No. 11357 in 2019, the company remains obligated to comply with all existing regulations, particularly those governing the approval of electricity rates charged to consumers.
ERC Chairperson Atty. Francis Saturnino Juan underscored the gravity of charging rates without regulatory clearance, calling it a serious offense for any regulated entity.
“Mortal sin ’yan para sa isang regulated entity na ikaw ay maningil nang hindi mo man lang hingin yung approval ng regulator mo,” Juan said.
He added that even if the company has reportedly stopped operations, the alleged violations still warrant further scrutiny and possible sanctions.
“Despite reports suggesting that [SPBC] has already ceased operations, the seriousness of the violation still justifies an investigation, as any penalties that may be imposed can still be enforced against [SPBC] and its assets,” he added.
The ERC said the show cause order will require SPBC to explain why it should not be held liable for the alleged regulatory violations.