MANILA – The House of Representatives on Tuesday approved on third and final reading two key measures aimed at strengthening the country’s energy sector and protecting utility workers.

House Bill No. 6676, or the Energy Storage Systems Act, was approved 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 integration, and power supply security in both grid-connected and off-grid areas.

Committee on Energy Chairperson and Palawan Rep. Jose Alvarez welcomed the passage, saying it 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.

Under the bill, the Department of Energy will serve as the lead implementing agency, while the Energy Regulatory Commission will formulate the regulatory framework for licensing, pricing, and cost recovery of energy storage facilities. The measure also provides incentives for integrated renewable energy plants with storage systems.

The bill was 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, among others.

House Bill No. 7239, or the Line Workers Insurance and Benefits Act, was also approved on third reading, receiving 197 affirmative votes with no negative votes or abstentions. The measure mandates insurance coverage and benefits for all line workers in the power industry, acknowledging the risks they face in constructing, maintaining, and repairing transmission and distribution facilities.

“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,” Alvarez said.

The bill requires employers to provide life and accident or disability insurance, as well as benefits including retirement, mortuary assistance, and reimbursement of medical expenses for injuries sustained in the line of duty. Alvarez stressed that “protection for line workers is no longer optional but mandatory, regardless of their employment status or the size of the utility they serve.”

The measure was authored by Alvarez, Deputy Speaker Kristine Singson-Meehan, Negros Occidental Rep. Javier Miguel Benitez, PHILRECA Party-list Rep. Presley De Jesus, and APEC Party-list Rep. Sergio Dagooc, among others. Deputy Speaker Yasser Alonto Balindong presided over Tuesday’s session.