ERC readies guidelines to aid power consumers in Kristine-hit areas

MANILA - The Energy Regulatory Commission said it is set to come up with guidelines for electric utilities to help consumers who were devastated by severe tropical storm Kristine.

After President Ferdinand Marcos Jr' order yesterday to study the possibility of a temporary moratorium on electricity bill or staggered payment, ERC OIC Jesse Andres said the commission is currently discussing ways to help storm victims.

Andres said among the possibilities are ordering electric cooperatives and distribution utilities to stagger the monthly electricity payment of consumers whose area has been declared under a state of calamity or a moratorium in payments until end December 2024.

According to Andres, he has already talked to some electric cooperatives and Meralco on how to help alleviate the plight of those who were flooded and damaged by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.

But Andres clarified that only those who were affected by the typhoon will benefit from the reprieve.

MERALCO REFUND?

Meanwhile, Meralco has announced it might refund up to P16 billion once the ERC settles its much delayed rate reset.

Earlier, suspended ERC Chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta revealed that the ERC has already decided to forego the 5th rate reset and fix the average distribution charge of Meralco to P1.35/kwh.

No official decision has been issued yet but Meralco estimates that from 2022-2024, if the rate is indeed fixed at P1.35/kwh, it can refund around P16 billion but this will depend on the ERC's calculations.

MORE REFUND, SAYS EX-ERC COMMISSIONER

But former ERC Commissioner Alfredo Non said Meralco definitely needs to refund more than P16 billion if the ERC considers its unchanged rate from 2012-2022.

Non said he needs to see the basis for the P16 billion refund floated by Meralco covering 2022-2024.

But from 2012-2024, Non said Meralco already needs to refund over P100 billion.

The previous ERC leadership was not able to rule on Meralco's rate reset every 5 years since 2012.

Non said that as far as he is concerned, Meralco's average rate should have gone down over the years to benefit its customers but due to the inaction of previous ERC leadership, the utility has been charging consumers almost the same rate.