Former Electricity Market Chief Atty. Richard Nethercott Joins Primelectric Group

In a notable development in the Philippine energy industry, Atty. Richard Nethercott has joined Primelectric Holdings, Inc., the energy conglomerate owned by billionaire Enrique Razon Jr. Nethercott was the former President and Chief Executive Officer of the Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines (IEMOP). As background, IEMOP is the crucial operator of the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM), the country’s electricity trading floor.

Primelectric’s diverse portfolio includes distribution utility MORE Power in Iloilo, Negros Power in Central Negros, and Bohol Light. The Group also manages MORE Power Barge and the retail aggregation program arm PrimeRES.

What Can Atty. Richard Nethercott Do?

Primelectric Holdings, the holding company for Razon’s power distribution interests, confirmed the appointment, stating that Atty. Nethercott will assume the role of Corporate Chief Operations Officer (COO) for the Group.

Primelectric President and CEO Roel Z. Castro officially welcomed the executive, highlighting his extensive background. “With over five years of distinguished experience in overseeing the operations of the trading floor for Philippine electricity, Atty. Nethercott brings valuable expertise and leadership to our team,” Castro said.

Nethercott’s appointment signals Primelectric’s strong intent to leverage high-level industry and regulatory expertise as it expands its operations and influence within the Philippine power distribution landscape.

Nethercott’s career is marked by key roles in the energy industry, including a previous tenure as a Board Director of the Philippine Electricity Market Corporation (PEMC). Beyond his corporate and government service, he has also dedicated time to academia, shaping future legal minds as a professor at several universities.

“We are honored and proud to have Atty. Richard Nethercott as our Corporate COO, strengthening our commitment to excellence and innovation in the energy sector,” Castro added.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the new challenge, Atty. Nethercott emphasized the company’s mission, “It is an honor to join Primelectric with the hope of being able to positively contribute to the company’s mission of providing the best quality service consumers deserve.”