The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is considering extending its no-disconnection policy for another month to provide additional relief to consumers struggling to pay high electricity bills.
The policy is currently scheduled to expire on July 31, 2026.
ERC Chairperson and CEO Atty. Francis Saturnino “Nino” Juan said the commission would deliberate on the possible extension amid mounting complaints over rising power costs.
“Kung kakayanin pa naman, bakit hindi na ating palawigin pa sa loob ng mga isang buwan nang sa ganoon ay magkaroon naman din ng kaunting kalutasan doon sa problema ng ating mga kababayan na nahihirapan silang makabayad on time doon sa kanilang bills,” Juan said.
The ERC has also approved requests from several electric cooperatives and private distribution utilities to stagger substantial electricity rate increases covering the June-to-July billing period.
The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) did not request staggered implementation of its rate adjustment because its overall increase was below ₱1 per kilowatt-hour.
Juan, however, said Meralco voluntarily deferred more than P1 billion in generation charge components, which will instead be collected from consumers over the next several months.
“Eto ay masasama naman doon sa mga future billings niya sa Meralco at ito ang maipapasa naman ng Meralco sa mga susunod na buwan,” he said.
Meanwhile, members of the Power4People Coalition staged a protest outside the ERC headquarters and urged the commission to take stronger action to shield consumers from soaring electricity rates.
Former Bayan Muna representative Carlos Zarate warned that persistently high electricity and fuel prices could further drive inflation.
Zarate said the government should pursue long-term solutions instead of relying on temporary measures.
He also renewed the Makabayan bloc’s call for the immediate passage of the Presyo Ibaba Bill, which seeks to remove excise taxes and expanded value-added tax on oil products, electricity, water, toll fees, food and other basic commodities.