Risa files bill capping power rates during emergencies
A bill seeking to allow the President to impose a “price cap” on power rates during energy emergencies was filed in the Senate by Sen. Risa Hontiveros.
“Electricity rates should not be allowed to rise unchecked, especially during times of crisis,” Hontiveros said regarding her Senate Bill No. 2361 which she filed on July 29. “Everyone is affected by this. Even middle-income families are already struggling with the cost of food, transportation, medicine and other basic needs. They should not be forced to absorb one power-rate increase after another.”
Electricity costs have increased amid the global energy crisis following the conflict in the Middle East. The Philippines also recorded the highest power rates in June among the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
Hontiveros said her bill proposes to amend the Electric Power Industry Reform Act to provide additional protections for consumers amid emergencies.
No disconnection
Under the bill, the president, upon the recommendation of the Department of Energy and the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), may impose a price ceiling on electricity in areas declared under a state of emergency or calamity.
The measure also proposes to automatically suspend the disconnection of electricity service to residential consumers for up to 90 days during a state of emergency or calamity, and allow for staggered payment option plans for consumers that will be implemented by distribution utilities (DU).
If the bill becomes law, consumers questioning their electricity bills would not be disconnected while their complaint is pending before the DU or ERC, provided they pay an amount equivalent to their average monthly bill for the three preceding billing months.
The measure also proposes the creation of an independent Consumer Affairs Office to ensure consumer concerns are voiced out and heard.
