FIRST Gen-owned Energy Development Corporation (EDC) turned over close to P7.8 million worth of Energy Regulations (ER) 1-94 remittances to its host communities in Negros Oriental. Under the Department of Energy’s (DOE) ER No. 1-94, power producers are mandated to provide financial benefits to communities that host energy facilities.
The enhanced Department Circular No. DC2025-10-0023 has increased the remittance rate to three centavos per kilowatt-hour of electricity sales from the previously mandated one centavo. The DOE conducted a series of public consultations on the proposed amendments between August and September last year.
The ER 1-94 remittances turned over to the host communities are designed to be used for the implementation of the local plans and programs aligned with the development needs of the host communities, which include livelihood, reforestation, watershed management and health and/or environment enhancement.
First Gen, through EDC, operates the Southern Negros Geothermal Project which has a total installed capacity of 221.9 megawatts.
The turnover was part of a two-day cascade organized by EDC and the DOE to provide updates on the coverage of the new circular, eligibility requirements, fund utilization and project application, and the implementation process.
The ER 1-94 remittances were turned over to the representatives of Negros Oriental province, the municipality of Valencia and barangays Puhagan, Malaunay and Caidiocan
By Apa Feliciano
