THE House of Representatives, under the leadership of Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III, on Tuesday approved on third and final reading House Bill No. 6676, or the proposed Energy Storage Systems Act, with 192 affirmative votes, three negative votes, and zero abstentions.
The measure establishes a national policy framework for the development, utilization, and commercialization of energy storage systems to support grid reliability, renewable energy (RE) integration, and power supply security in both grid-connected and off-grid areas.
Committee on Energy Chairperson and Palawan Rep. Jose Alvarez on Wednesday welcomed the passage of the bill, saying the approval reflects the chamber’s recognition of the role of storage technologies in the country’s energy transition.
“This measure puts in place a clear policy direction for developing and commercializing energy storage systems, which are essential to stabilizing our power supply and maximizing the use of renewable energy,” he said.
“With this bill, we are preparing the power sector for greater RE integration in the energy mix while ensuring reliability and affordability for consumers.” Under the bill, the Department of Energy (DOE) will serve as the lead implementing agency, while the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) will formulate the regulatory framework for the licensing, pricing, and cost recovery of energy storage facilities.
The measure also provides incentives for integrated renewable energy plants with storage systems. The approved measure is authored by Alvarez, Nueva Ecija Rep. Julius Cesar Vergara, Laguna Rep. Ann Matibag, Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, Pangasinan Rep. Mark Cojuangco, and Guimaras Rep. JC Rahman Nava, MD, among others. House Bill No. 7239, also known as the Line Workers Insurance and Benefits Act, was likewise approved on third reading after obtaining 197 affirmative votes with no negative votes or abstentions.
The measure seeks to provide mandatory insurance coverage and benefits for all line workers in the power industry, recognizing the risks they face in the construction, maintenance, and repair of transmission and distribution facilities nationwide. Alvarez pointed out that “our line workers put their lives on the line to keep the lights on, and this measure guarantees that they are properly protected and supported should they be injured in the line of duty.”
Under the bill, employers are required to provide life and accident or disability insurance, as well as additional benefits such as retirement, mortuary assistance, and reimbursement of medical expenses for injuries sustained in the line of duty. “This bill ensures that protection for line workers is no longer optional but mandatory, regardless of their employment status or the size of the utility they serve,” he added.
The measure is authored by Alvarez, Deputy Speaker Kristine Singson-Meehan, Negros Occidental Rep. Javier Miguel Benitez, PHILRECA Party-list Rep. Presley De Jesus, APEC Party-list Rep. Sergio Dagooc, among others. Deputy Speaker Yasser Alonto Balindong presided over Tuesday’s session.
