Extend order barring power cut-off until January 2021, ERC urged

MANILA, Philippines — A lawmaker is urging the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to extend its order barring distribution utilities from implementing power disconnection until January 31, 2021.

Ako Bicol Rep. Alfredo Garbin renewed his call after the commission directed distribution utilities to do away with any disconnection on account of non-payment of bills until December 31, 2020 for consumers with monthly consumption not higher than twice the ERC-approved maximum lifeline consumption level.

“I asked for no-disconnection coverage up to January 31, 2021 for all households and small businesses,” Garbin said in a statement.

“ERC can take a second look at the situation on the ground. Electricity bills are aggravating the suffering of families and enterprises. They must be allowed to recover so our country can recover,” the lawmaker added.

As early as September, Garbin appealed to the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) and other concerned government agencies to suspend all service disconnection actions on households and small business consumers’ utility bills until the end of January next year.

Garbin also called for a suspension in evictions from rented or mortgaged properties.

“I ask ERC Chairperson Agnes Devanadera and her Commissioners to consider this alternative: For those with better financial means or over 200 kwh per month electricity consumption, staggered payments across four months and suspended disconnection during the installment payment period,” Garbin said.

“For areas devastated by typhoons, electricity consumers must not suffer service disconnection. Water utilities firms nationwide should also be compassionate to their customers,” he added.

Under ERC’s directive, distribution utilities and retail electricity suppliers are directed to implement a minimum of a 30-day grace period on all payments for consumers whose consumption is higher than the cap set and are thus not covered by the suspension of power disconnection.

However, the bills should fall due within the period of Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) and Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ), said ERC.

“Customers who have the ability to pay are encouraged to settle their bills within the original due date to help manage the cash flow in the energy supply chain and ensure the continuous supply of electricity. The DUs may offer less onerous payment terms to encourage early payment,” ERC said. [ac]