Manila: The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) will work with the government on the proposed amendments to Republic Act 9136, known as the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA). President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., in his fifth State of the Nation Address, emphasized the need to amend EPIRA to eliminate the collection of system loss from power consumers and address other power sector-related issues.
According to Philippines News Agency, Meralco executive vice president and chief operating officer Ronnie Aperocho stated that the distribution utility respects President Marcos' policy direction and will actively participate in discussions regarding the proposed EPIRA amendments. Aperocho highlighted the importance of acknowledging that system loss is a common operational aspect in the delivery of electricity, affecting the entire power industry, not just distribution utilities like Meralco.
Aperocho explained that while Meralco invests in modernizing facilities and deploying technologies to reduce system losses, a certain level of technical losses is inherent in operating an electric distribution system. He noted that Meralco's initiatives in system loss management, network modernization, and operational efficiencies help maintain system loss below the 6.5 percent cap set by the Energy Regulatory Commission.
Aperocho expressed hope for careful consideration of the impact of reforms on the operations and sustainability of distribution utilities. He emphasized the need to support distribution utilities and electric cooperatives in efficiently operating, investing in infrastructure, and delivering safe and stable electricity services. Meralco will continue collaborating with government entities and industry stakeholders to pursue reforms enhancing consumer protection and strengthening the power industry.
Meanwhile, Cavite Representative Lani Mercado-Revilla urged Congress to promptly tackle pending house bills proposing EPIRA amendments in line with President Marcos' directive. Mercado-Revilla emphasized the importance of acting on overdue measures to ease consumers' financial burden, particularly by eliminating unnecessary charges from electricity bills.
Mercado-Revilla highlighted her House Bill No. 6976, filed in December 2025, which aims to prohibit private electric distribution utilities from passing system loss charges to consumers. She stressed the urgency of removing the unfair burden of system loss charges from consumers, especially amid rising living costs and electricity prices.
The Cavite lawmaker pointed out that under the current system, consumers pay for electricity losses resulting from normal transmission, inefficiencies, electricity pilferage, illegal connections, and meter tampering. Mercado-Revilla emphasized the significance of enacting reforms that will directly benefit Filipino families, taking advantage of the momentum created by the President's pronouncement.
