Philippines changes standards for ‘consumer representative' in bidding process

It required the intermediary to have knowledge of competitive public bidding.

The Philippines’ Department of Energy (DOE) changed the standards for what is considered a “consumer intermediary” in the third party bids and awards committee (TPBAC) as part of its competitive selection process (CSP) for the contracting of distribution utilities, according to a circular in December 2018.

The selection of a contingent from the consumer segment is required to be a captive consumer with knowledge and/or experience in accounting, economics, finance, law, and engineering, as well as in competitive public bidding.

“This will ensure that the possible non-availability of the specified professionals shall not hamper the conduct of a CSP for the procurement of power supply,” DOE said. “This is especially true with respect to off-grid areas in the country.”

The Manila Bulletin adds that the proposed TPBAC will comprise of five representatives, including a lawyer, a finance officer, two officers of the utilities, and one other utilities officer that has knowledge of procurement rules and international bidding procedures.

According to DOE, the CSP must promote competition and greater private sector participation in the provision of adequate generation capacity to meet the demand in the captive market.