Psalm power overcharging bared; consumers to get refund

Rep. Joseph Emilio Abaya. LYN RILLON

MANILA, Philippines — Consumers can expect a refund due to the alleged overcharging on power services of the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation.

Cavite Representative Joseph Emilio Abaya, chairman of the House committee on appropriations, told this to Davao del Sur Representative Mark Douglas Cagas who asked whether there was truth in Manila Electric Co.’s statement alleging that Psalm had overcharged P9.1 billion worth of transmission line costs.

Cagas expressed worry over power shortage being experienced in Mindanao due to the lack of reserved power supply. He said that power supply issues may hamper the upcoming midterm elections in the region.

Abaya said on behalf of the Department of Energy as sponsor of its budget for next year that the Energy Regulatory Commission has yet to determine how much the fund would be.

Bayan Muna Partylist Representative Teddy Casino meanwhile urged the ERC to suspend PSALM’s overpriced charges on power consumers and have them refunded soon. “The refund would be a definite and immediate relief for us consumers.”