The Energy Regulatory Commission has urged residential electricity consumers to familiarize themselves with the protections and remedies provided under the Magna Carta for Residential Electricity Consumers, particularly when raising concerns over electricity bills and meters.
During a consumer information campaign, ERC Legal Service Director Atty. Maria Corazon C. Gines said the MCREC allows consumers to seek remedies for billing adjustments, differential billing, and metering-related disputes.
Gines said the ERC may issue a stay of disconnection, when applicable, after a consumer files a formal complaint with the Commission. The order temporarily prevents the distribution utility from cutting off electricity service while the case is under evaluation.
She also advised consumers to request a meter test from the ERC when they notice unusual or unexplained changes in their electricity consumption.
According to Gines, the procedure determines whether an electric meter is working properly and helps ensure that electricity charges are based on accurate readings.
The ERC said the available remedies are intended to protect consumer rights and promote fair and transparent billing practices among distribution utilities.