Manila: The temporary suspension of the collection of the Green Energy Auction Allowance (GEA-All) has been extended for the July-August billing period to further help power consumers. GEA-All is an electricity bill expense added to power consumers' monthly bills, and its proceeds are used to fund payments to renewable energy developers participating in the government's Green Energy Auction Program. The rate amounts to PHP0.0371 per kilowatt-hour.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) initially suspended the collection for the May-June billing period to help consumers cope with higher power rates resulting from inflation and the impact of the Middle East crisis. In a statement on Monday, the ERC indicated that the extension of the collection suspension was approved after assessing that the GEA-All Fund remains financially sufficient to cover payment obligations to eligible renewable energy developers during the suspension period.

As of June 5, the ERC reported that the fund still has around PHP707.47 million, which is deemed adequate to support expected disbursements, including payments for additional renewable energy facilities expected to commence operations in the coming months. The temporary suspension aims to provide immediate relief to electricity consumers as Filipino households continue to face the effects of rising inflation and increasing cost-of-living pressures brought about by global developments.

The ERC emphasized that while offering consumer relief remains a priority, safeguarding the financial integrity of the GEA-All Fund is essential to ensure timely payments to qualified renewable energy developers.