Rally at ERC protests high power rates in Iloilo City

Members of a consumer rights advocate group trooped to the office of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to protest high electricity rates of the Panay Electric Company (Peco).

The group said it was in solidarity with Iloilo City consumers and their bid to have better power services.

The group supported a complaint filed against an alleged 1,000 percent increase in rates despite consumers suffering from frequent brownouts.

Hearing

Peco consumers filed a complaint at the ERC in August. The ERC is set to hear the case this week.

An earlier petition by Peco consumers was addressed to Congress.

Submitted to the House committee on legislative franchises, the petition called on the House to reject the franchise renewal of Peco, filed under House Bill 6023.

BenCy Ellorin, chair of Pinoy Aksyon, asked the ERC to exercise its mandate as a regulatory agency by investigating whether Peco deserved the franchise.

Among the reasons cited for rejecting the franchise renewal were alleged overbilling, billing without reading of electric meters, frequent power outages, poor consumer relations and disrespect of the city council of Iloilo.

Since 1923

House Bill No. 6023, authored by Camiguin Rep. Xavier Jesus Romualdo, seeks to renew the franchise of Peco, which has been operating in Iloilo City since 1923.

But in a resolution, the Iloilo City Council said it “vehemently” opposed the franchise renewal.

Mikel Afzelius, Peco corporate communications officer, denied the overpricing and insisted that it had addressed consumer complaints. —Nestor P. Burgos Jr.