Manila: Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) chair Francis Saturnino Juan has highlighted the pressing need to reassess several components of electricity bills, noting that these charges have not been revisited in over a decade.

According to Philippines News Agency, during an interview on the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon program, ERC Chair and lawyer Francis Saturnino Juan emphasized the importance of examining transmission, distribution, and generation charges. He pointed out that generation charges make up the largest portion of consumers' electricity bills. The ERC has opened up these charges to competition, with the goal of ensuring consumers pay the lowest possible rates.

Juan explained that to maintain low generation charges, regulators must ensure providers have sufficient capacity. This involves improving the process for investors to establish power plants and secure the necessary supply. While transmission and distribution charges are regulated, Juan noted that the last review took place more than a decade ago, leaving uncertainty over whether the current rates are appropriate.

He stated that the ERC is currently reviewing the rules for the rate-setting process, aiming to promulgate a clear and streamlined procedure promptly. Juan stressed the importance of completing hearings before distribution utilities and power cooperatives enter a new regulatory period, with hopes of implementing new rates by the end of this year or early next year.

Juan reiterated the ERC's mandate to ensure adequate power supply, along with reliable transmission and distribution capacities, to provide consumers with competitive rates.