The House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading a bill establishing a national policy framework for the development and use of energy storage systems (ESS), aimed at ensuring a stable and reliable electricity supply.
With a vote of 192-3, lawmakers passed the proposed Energy Systems Storage Act or the House Bill 6676, which sets guidelines for the deployment of ESS facilities across the country.
Ilocos Norte 1st District Representative Sandro Marcos, who sponsored the measure, explained the importance of ESS by comparing it to a common household item.
“In terms of household application, these systems are like Energizer batteries, which you use for your flashlight whenever there is a power outage. They are intended for emergencies,” Marcos said.
He noted that ESS can support renewable energy plants by storing low-cost power in batteries, allowing energy to be used when demand is high and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Under the bill, ESS developers may qualify for incentives provided under the Renewable Energy Law.
Permits and licenses will be processed through the Energy Virtual One-Stop Shop Act and the Ease of Doing Business law, while waste management will be regulated under the Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act of 1990.