Atty. Richard Nethercott Joins Enrique Razon’s Primelectric Group as New Corporate COO
The Philippine energy industry just got a powerful boost. Atty. Richard Nethercott, the former President and CEO of the Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines (IEMOP), has officially joined the camp of billionaire businessman Enrique Razon Jr. as the new Corporate Chief Operations Officer (COO) of Primelectric Holdings, Inc.
This move is making waves in the power sector, as Nethercott is widely recognized for his experience and influence in the country’s electricity market. For years, he led IEMOP, the operator of the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM), which serves as the trading floor for electricity in the Philippines.
A Strong Addition to the Primelectric Leadership Team
Primelectric Holdings confirmed the appointment and expressed confidence that Atty. Nethercott’s entry will further strengthen the company’s leadership team. Primelectric is the holding company for Razon’s power distribution ventures, which include MORE Power in Iloilo City, Negros Power in Negros Occidental, and Bohol Light Company in Bohol. The Group also oversees MORE Power Barge and the retail electricity supplier PrimeRES.
According to Primelectric President and CEO Roel Castro, the addition of Atty. Nethercott brings immense value to their organization. “With over five years of distinguished experience in overseeing the operations of the country’s electricity trading floor, Atty. Nethercott brings valuable expertise and leadership to our team,” Castro shared.
Castro added that Nethercott’s background in energy law, electricity market operations, and corporate governance aligns perfectly with Primelectric’s goal of expanding and improving its distribution utilities nationwide.
From Market Operator to Corporate Leader
Atty. Nethercott’s career in the energy sector spans both regulatory and corporate roles. Before leading IEMOP, he served as a Board Director of the Philippine Electricity Market Corporation (PEMC), the organization that once operated WESM before IEMOP took over. His work helped shape the country’s electricity trading policies and improved market operations.
But beyond his executive credentials, Nethercott also made his mark in the academic field. He has been a professor in several universities, teaching law and sharing his expertise with the next generation of legal professionals. His unique blend of corporate experience, government service, and academic involvement has made him one of the most respected figures in the industry.
Strengthening Primelectric’s Commitment to Innovation
Welcoming Nethercott into the organization, Castro highlighted that his appointment reflects Primelectric’s ongoing commitment to innovation and service excellence. The company has been actively expanding its footprint in the power distribution sector, modernizing infrastructure, and investing in technology to improve reliability and efficiency.
“We are honored and proud to have Atty. Richard Nethercott as our Corporate COO. His leadership will further strengthen our mission of delivering reliable, modern, and customer-focused power distribution,” Castro said.
This announcement comes at a time when Primelectric’s subsidiaries, such as Negros Power and MORE Power, are experiencing rapid growth, introducing technological upgrades, and enhancing customer service in their respective service areas. With Nethercott’s background in electricity market operations, the company is expected to take even bigger strides toward efficiency and sustainability.
Atty. Nethercott on Joining Primelectric
In his statement, Atty. Nethercott expressed both humility and excitement about joining the Razon-led Group. “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,” he said.
His words reflect the growing demand for better energy services and more reliable electricity distribution in the Philippines. As power consumption continues to rise, especially in developing provinces, the need for strong leadership in energy companies becomes more critical.
What This Means for the Energy Industry
Nethercott’s move to Primelectric is more than just a leadership reshuffle—it’s a clear signal of Razon’s intention to bring top-tier expertise into his energy ventures. The combination of corporate vision from Razon, operational leadership from Castro, and regulatory experience from Nethercott positions Primelectric as a major player to watch in the power sector.
This development also comes amid Primelectric’s ongoing investments in modernizing power distribution systems and improving service reliability. With an executive who has firsthand knowledge of the electricity market’s inner workings, the company is likely to set new benchmarks for transparency, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
Final Thoughts
The entry of Atty. Richard Nethercott’s move into Primelectric Holdings marks a pivotal moment for the company and the broader energy industry. His experience in managing the country’s electricity trading platform gives Primelectric a strategic edge as it aims to modernize power distribution in the regions it serves.
For consumers, this move can only mean one thing: a stronger commitment to better service, smarter systems, and more reliable electricity in the years to come.