Manila: The Negros Electric and Power Corp. (Negros Power) has expressed support for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s initiative to reduce electricity rates, specifically his call to eliminate system loss charges. "Negros Power fully supports the President's vision of delivering lower electricity rates while ensuring that the implementation of the policy remains consistent with existing laws and regulatory requirements," stated company spokesperson Leomel Tambanillo.
According to Philippines News Agency, during his fifth State of the Nation Address on July 27, President Marcos urged Congress to amend the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) of 2001 to help decrease electricity costs in the country. The EPIRA currently allows distribution utilities to automatically collect pass-through fees, including system loss charges. The President emphasized that consumers should not be held accountable for system losses, and utility firms should not charge them for it.
Tambanillo mentioned that Negros Power is awaiting guidance from the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) regarding the implementation of the directive to remove or zero out system loss charges. "Once the DOE and the ERC will issue implementing guidelines or the necessary regulations for the implementation of this policy, we are ready and sure to comply fully," he noted.
Despite the President setting the policy direction, Tambanillo explained that distribution utilities like Negros Power will continue to operate under the current regulatory framework until official guidelines from the DOE and ERC are established. "Negros Power reaffirms its full commitment to cooperate with the national government, the DOE and the ERC, and will promptly implement all official directives once issued, ensuring full compliance with applicable laws," he added.
Negros Power is responsible for distributing electricity to the cities of Bacolod, Silay, Talisay, and Bago, as well as the municipalities of Don Salvador Benedicto and Murcia.
