MANILA -- The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has ordered power distributors to suspended the disconnection of electricity to some consumers in areas under state of calamity due to severe tropical storm Kristine.

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

In an advisory, the ERC directed utilities to suspend the disconnection of power of residential and business consumers alike whose monthly electricity consumption does not exceed 200 kilowatt-hours (kWh).

This covers unpaid bills from October to December 2024. 

The ERC also asked power distributors to offer flexible payment options--consumers with electricity bills below 200 kWh can pay on a staggered basis over 6 months.

Consumers who use more than 200kWh of power monthly, meanwhile, may get mutually agreeable payment terms from their utilities. These consumers are encouraged to reach out to their power distributors for alternative payment options.

The move was after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, asked the ERC to study the possibility of a temporary moratorium on electricity bill payments or implement a staggered payment scheme.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said 125 have died due to Severe Tropical Storms Kristine and Leon.

125 reported dead due to Kristine, Leon – NDRRMC

Damage to agriculture has been pegged at P80.8 million, while damage to seaports is at P110 million. 

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