“Power consumers, especially those in the marginalized sector, may not have the financial capacity to pay their two or three months’ worth of electricity bills in full and therefore risk having their electricity disconnected.”
These were the statements made by Ako Padayon Pilipino Party-list representative Adriano Ebcas in his privilege speech Friday.
“Because a lot of power consumers can’t work right now, especially those under the ‘no work no pay’ scheme, our appeal to the ERC is to ensure that their electricity won’t get disconnected,” said Ebcas.
A staggered payment of electricity bills is now suggested, according to Ebcas.
Ebcas also called on the power suppliers to consider the power bloc’s appeal for temporary adjustment on fixed charges during this time of crisis.
Ebcas urged the power suppliers to heed their call for adjustment in their Power Supply Agreements (PSAs) with distribution utilities to curb the surge in electricity rate.
“These requests are meant to mitigate the increase in electric bills and ease the burden of every household consumer, especially those whose livelihood are affected by the pandemic,” said Ebcas.
He even reiterated their request for the suspension of Minimum Energy Offtake (MEOT), for the Contract Capacity Charges (Php/kW/Month) be based on the actual nomination, and for the availment of Prompt Payment Discount (PPD) on the deferred payment scheme based on the ERC advisory.
The solon from the province of Camiguin emphasized that these adjustments will lower the electricity rate and will help the Filipino consumers defray other expenses.
Ebcas assured their constituents — the 121 electric cooperatives and every Filipino electricity consumer — that the Power Bloc will remain steadfast in safeguarding their interest, most especially in this challenging time. (Ben Balce)
