The Energy Policy and Development Program (EPDP) is a four-year, PhP218 million ($5 million) project started in October 2014 to strengthen policymaking for environmentally sound energy sector development.

Few academic and policy programs exist in Philippine universities and economic organizations to develop and promote knowledge, research and best practices in the energy sector. EPDP supports development of an independent energy sector policy think tank, development and implementation of energy sector policy and reform programs for climate change mitigation and low-emission development, and establishment of an academic and policy program at the University of the Philippines. It will inform private sector business strategies.

EPDP is a USAID/Philippines project under the Partnership for Growth (PFG), a bilateral initiative. The PFG represents a partnership between the Philippines and the United States to promote broad-based and inclusive growth. The U.S. Government works with the Government of the Philippines, the private sector and civil society to help put the Philippines on an accelerated growth trajectory that benefits the majority of its population. EPDP aligns with PFG efforts to attain good governance anchored on regulatory quality. An improved regulatory environment in the energy sector will support cost-effective and environmentally sound growth and development.

ACTIVITIES

The project has four components: research to generate evidence and conceptual foundations to support discussion of energy issues and policy formulation; policy development and advisory services for the public sector; capacity building of government and academia in dealing with energy policy concerns; and raising public awareness, disseminating findings on energy research, and mainstreaming discussion on energy and influencing policy.

Priority research areas include improving competition in the electricity market, crafting and reviewing optimal pathways for energy resource use and utilization, improving access to electricity, and studying regional market integration. EPDP partners with U.S. institutions, such as the University of Hawaii, Tufts University, International Food Policy Research Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of California Berkeley, and University of California Energy Institute.

GOAL

To strengthen Government of the Philippines capacity to formulate evidence-based policies and strategies for cost-effective environmentally-sound energy sector development.

PROJECT OBJECTIVES

• Create an independent think tank to guide energy sector policy- and decision-making.
• Strengthen the enabling environment for national frameworks for climate change mitigation and low-emission development.
• Establish an academic and policy program at the University of the Philippines.
• Inform private sector business strategies for cost-effective and sustainable and broad-based growth.