ABSTRACT

The success of an energy transition in general, and renewable energy development in the electricity sector specifically, depends on different dimensions of power, such as macrosocietal structures, the distribution of resources and the ability to mobilize these resources. Project and policy implementation depends on the power constellation within the electricity system and the interaction between national and subnational jurisdictions. This also affects development activities, which can be national or subnational interventions. To better understand the role of different jurisdictional levels and their stake in the decisionmaking process, it is necessary to incorporate insights from power theory into the multi-level governance framework. Mapping the distribution of power in a multi-level governance system of a decentralized country like the Philippines allows us to analyze how complex governance structures and power shape energy transitions in developing countries as well as donor-driven renewable energy projects. What are the effects of a multi-level governance system on decision-making in the electricity regime? How do various jurisdictional levels coordinate with each other? How are resources distributed between the central government and subnational authorities? Weak interjurisdictional coordination and issues of central-local relations lead to constraints on renewable energy development. Concerning power, further questions arise. How is power exercised in the context of renewable energy support? Which actor has access to resources, and how strong is the ability to mobilize these resources? It is shown here how the fragmentation of power prevents changes of the status quo of the electricity system and thus an energy transition towards renewables.