The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has extended its temporary “no disconnection” policy for electricity services until October 2026, providing consumers additional protection against service interruptions.
ERC Chairperson Francis Saturnino “Nino” Juan said the Commission approved an order extending its previous advisory, which prevents the disconnection of both residential and non-residential electricity consumers, for another three months.
“Inaprubahan ng komisyon noong isang araw yung kautusan na magpapalawig doon sa nauna na naming inilabas na advisory noon na wala munang putulan, residential man o non-residential, sa loob ng tatlong buwan, so hanggang Oktubre,” Juan said in a radio interview.
The extension followed calls from progressive groups Akbayan and Sentro for the ERC to continue suspending service disconnections amid concerns over rising electricity bills and the affordability of power services for many households.
The groups also renewed their call for an investigation into electricity charges.
“It’s unfair to disconnect families from a very essential service when some charges on their bills are questionable,” Akbayan President Rafaela David said. “As long as electricity bills continue to shock consumers, the suspension of service disconnections must be extended.”
The ERC said the extension aims to provide temporary relief to consumers while issues involving electricity rates and billing concerns continue to be reviewed and addressed.