The Economics Cluster of the Social Sciences Department, in cooperation with the Economics Society, conducted a Forum on the Energy Crisis last February 19, 2014 at the Arrupe Convention Hall. The forum was an integral part of the instructional design for the clasess of Principles of Economics, Microeconomcs and Macroeconomics not only because electricity is a major commodity affected by the interplay of supply and demand, but because the energy problem is one of the pressing issues faced by our country today.

The main speaker was Atty Manuel Teoxon, a member of the Naga City Consumer Group and likewise the President of the Jesse M. Robredo Movement. He discussed the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 (EPIRA) which created the wholesale electricity spot market (WESM) and established the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) which shall be the main government agency to oversee and supervise the implementation of the EPIRA Law. Although the discussion was a bit technical, the speaker made sure he presented the salient issues that can be understood by the students. He said that electric cooperatives have the obligation to supply electricity in the least cost manner to its captive market, subject to the collection of retail rate duly approved by the ERC. The ERC shall ensure the adequate promotion of consumer interests.

The forum was opened by Rolan Jon Bulao, Social Sciences Chairperson, the speaker was introduced by Dr Bernadette Gumba, Economics Cluster Head, the discussions were facilitated by Alvin Avizola and Cindy Ptestades of the Economics Society.