The Impact of Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) on the Philippine Power Sector: A Thematic Literature Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7719/jpair.v65i1.1014Keywords:
EPIRA, Philippine Power Sector, Electric Cooperatives, Energy Reform, Electricity Pricing, National Electrification Administration (NEA), Market CompetitionDisciplines:
Public Policy, Energy Policy, Public Sector GovernanceAbstract
The Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) of 2001 was enacted to transform the Philippine energy landscape from a state-owned monopoly into a competitive, market-driven industry. This study presents a thematic literature review assessing the multifaceted impacts of EPIRA over two decades of implementation. Synthesizing academic research, policy papers, and institutional reports, the review identifies five critical themes: (1) the unbundling of the power sector and its influence on operational efficiency; (2) the paradox of electricity pricing, where market competition has struggled to lower costs for residential consumers; (3) the technical and financial performance of Electric Cooperatives (ECs) compared to private distribution utilities; (4) the persistent challenges of rural electrification and energy security in off-grid areas; and (5) the broader economic consequences of high electricity prices. Methodologically, the study employs a qualitative systematic review with thematic synthesis, ensuring transparency and rigor. Findings suggest that while EPIRA reduced the government’s fiscal burden and improved technical efficiency in some sectors, it has faced significant criticism regarding high power rates, regulatory capture, and policy misalignment with renewable energy goals. This review provides a foundation for future legislative amendments aimed at achieving more equitable energy distribution, consumer-focused pricing, and sustainable energy transition.
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References
Acebedo, K. J. R., An, I. L., & Bagaipo, J. (2020). Examining EPIRA and its effect on technical and operational efficiencies of the top five private distribution utilities in the Philippines: SFA and DEA approaches. Humanities & Social Sciences Reviews, 8(1), 604–615. https://tinyurl.com/2sntzczz
Bonita, E. D. (2025). Management of electric cooperatives in Central Luzon: Challenges and intervention measures. ETCOR Journal. https://etcor.org/storage/iJOINED/Vol.%20IV(4),%20564-574.pdf
Dawal, J. (2025). Reforming EPIRA: A path towards equitable and competitive electricity pricing in the Philippines. Center for Integrative and Development Studies. https://tinyurl.com/45sv2pee
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Copyright (c) 2026 Celso N. Macalanos, Jr., Jerian L. Aloba, Aileen M. Abangan
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
Open Access. This article published by JPAIR Multidisciplinary Research is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0). You are free to share (copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format) and adapt (remix, transform, and build upon the material). Under the following terms, you must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your use. You may not use the material for commercial purposes.
