Aggregation.
SEC. 17. Aggregation. - The DOE shall be the lead agency to determine the need for and regulate the development of aggregation in the country. The DOE shall determine and designate the aggregator/s and issue the applicable policies to implement aggregation, adhering to the principles of economies of scale, as well as energy transparency, competitive pricing, security and reliability, and consumer welfare. The DOE may direct any of its attached agencies and instrumentalities to participate in aggregation activities.
DOE Permits and Issuances.
SEC. 18. DOE Permits and Issuances. - The DOE shall have the power and responsibility to evaluate, approve, and issue the permits necessary for the siting, construction, operation and maintenance, expansion, modification, rehabilitation, decommissioning, and abandonment of any PDNGI Facility or activity.
The DOE shall accredit Participants and acknowledge notifications of natural gas importation and exportation. Permits issued to Permit Holders may vary based on their intended use, such as Own-Use Permit or TPA Permit.
Compliance with Philippine Laws, Rules, and Regulations.
SEC. 19. Compliance with Philippine Laws, Rules, and Regulations. - Permit Holders and Participants shall comply with all Philippine laws, rules, and regulations implemented by the relevant government agencies.
Compliance with Standards.
SEC. 20. Compliance with Standards. - The DOE shall ensure that Permit Holders and Participants, products, facilities, services, and systems comply with the standards set by relevant government agencies in terms of quality, design, efficiency, safety, structural integrity, and operation and maintenance. Regulations shall be consistent with applicable Philippine and internationally accepted natural gas industry standards.
Confidential Information.
SEC. 21. Confidential Information. - The DOE, ERC, or PCC, as applicable, shall determine whether submitted documents and reports are confidential or proprietary information. The Government shall not disclose confidential or proprietary information to the public, other Permit Holders, or Participants unless allowed by the Permit Holder or Participant, or when required by laws, rules, and regulations.
Authority to Obtain Information.
SEC. 22. Authority to Obtain Information. - The DOE, ERC, PCC, and other concerned government agencies may, through a valid order, require any Permit Holder or Participant, to provide, within a reasonable specified period, all information and documents relating to all matters such as the permit, rates, and operation of the business and PDNGI Facilities, with explanations on the information or documents submitted, subject to Section 21 of this Act. The failure of a Permit Holder or Participant to provide the required information or documents without valid reason shall be punishable under this Act.
Natural Gas Supply.
SEC. 23. Natural Gas Supply. - The procurement, delivery and pricing of natural gas from indigenous production facilities or from importation to the PDNGI shall be transparent and secure. If necessary, the DOE, ERC, and PCC shall require the suppliers to submit relevant information pertaining to supply contracting, procurement, pricing, and distribution scheme to users for monitoring purposes.
Procurement and utilization of indigenous natural gas, including without limitation, by gas-fired power plants, shall be prioritized over imported natural gas: Provided, That it is consistent with the State's policy of ensuring energy security and consumer welfare. An indigenous natural gas supplier and aggregator shall provide fair and open access to its natural gas supply in non-discriminatory and transparent manner through physical supply, administrative or financial contracts, or any other arrangements allowed by the DOE.
Power produced from indigenous natural gas shall have priority over other conventional energy sources. Such prioritization shall cover indigenous natural gas power supply contracting, including mechanisms for minimum supply requirements.
The DOE shall establish mechanisms for the optimal and full utilization of indigenous natural gas in the generation, transmission, distribution, and supply of power, subject to standards and limitations consistent with the state's policy of ensuring energy security and consumer welfare. Pursuant thereto, the DOE shall formulate mechanisms that shall prescribe a mandated minimum percentage of the electricity demand of generation companies and/or distribution utilities to be sourced from indigenous natural gas. Such minimum percentage shall be reviewed and adjusted by the DOE as may be necessary.
Subject to viability, the PDNGI Facilities may be designed and constructed to ensure the accommodation of both indigenous natural gas and/or imported natural gas, pursuant to the standards determined by the DOE. The DOE shall establish measures to support the supply and use of indigenous natural gas in the domestic downstream natural gas sector.
Decommissioning and Abandonment of Downstream Natural Gas Facility.
SEC. 24. Decommissioning and Abandonment of Downstream Natural Gas Facility. - No Permit Holder shall abandon or decommission any portion of a PDNGI Facility without prior written authorization from the DOE and absent its approval of an abandonment and decommissioning plan based on Philippine or internationally accepted standards. The DOE, in coordination with the DENR, shall provide the guidelines and regulations for the decommissioning and abandonment of PDNGI Facilities.
Administrative Rules and Procedures.
SEC. 25. Administrative Rules and Procedures. - The DOE shall issue the administrative rules and procedures for the discharge of administrative cases and imposition of administrative fines and penalties. The Rules of Court shall apply in a suppletory manner.
Fees.
SEC. 26. Fees. - All concerned government agencies shall have the authority to prescribe and collect fees and charges relating to the issuance or review of permits, and the supervision and regulation of the PDNGI.
Source: Supreme Court E-Library, Republic of the Philippines. Philippine laws are public documents (works of the government).
