Manila: Sen. Risa Hontiveros has filed a resolution urging a Senate investigation into the Energy Regulatory Commission's (ERC) policies concerning disputed electricity bills and power rate hikes. She believes this review could lead to potential amendments to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) to bolster consumer protection.
According to Philippines News Agency, Senate Resolution No. 509, introduced by Hontiveros, specifically targets the ERC's management of contested electricity bills. This move comes in light of complaints regarding incorrect Meralco meter readings, inconsistent advice on disputed payments, and consecutive increases in power rates. Hontiveros emphasized the need to review and possibly update these policies to better safeguard consumer interests.
The resolution highlighted issues raised by Metro Manila consumers about inaccurate meter readings that have led to irregular electricity bills, despite the ERC's mandate under Section 41 of Republic Act 9136, or the EPIRA, to protect consumer interests. It also addressed the confusion surrounding the settlement of disputed bills.
The resolution noted that while the ERC has instructed consumers disputing their bills to pay the contested amount under protest during investigations to prevent disconnection, Meralco has asserted that customers with pending billing complaints are not obligated to pay the disputed amount and assured that service would not be disconnected during ongoing investigations.
Hontiveros pointed out that these conflicting stances have caused uncertainty for consumers, even though there is a standing moratorium on disconnections under Executive Order No. 110. She advocated for corrections to the Magna Carta for Residential Electricity Consumers, ensuring that consumers are not forced to pay erroneous charges just to avoid inconvenience.
Hontiveros also mentioned that the Magna Carta for Residential Electricity Consumers allows payments under protest but fails to sufficiently address the financial burden faced by households with unexpectedly high electricity bills.
The resolution further highlighted the continuous rise in electricity rates since February, including a recent PHP0.3428 per kilowatt-hour increase in Meralco's generation charge. There is also a possibility of higher distribution charges later this year.
Hontiveros stated that the inquiry aims to assess whether the EPIRA and current ERC policies are adequate for protecting residential electricity consumers or if legislative amendments are necessary to enhance consumer rights amid increasing power costs and billing disputes.
