The WESM began commercial operations in Luzon on June 26, 2006 to create a competitive electric power industry for better and more efficient electric service at a reasonable cost to consumers. To date, 13 generating companies participate directly in the WESM with 11 distribution utilities (DUs) and five registered direct suppliers. WESM operations in the Visayas region, while hindered by inadequate capacity in both transmission and generation facilities, nonetheless commenced in December 2010. Market rules for Mindanao have yet to be laid down.