Gatchalian to power firms: Clear confusion over bills

ByJavier J. Ismael May 23, 2020
https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/05/23/news/national/gatchalian-to-power-firms-clear-confusion-over-bills/726544/

SEN. Sherwin Gatchalian pressed the Department of Energy (DoE) and the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to issue a new advisory that would help clear the confusion over exorbitant electricity bills amid numerous complaints from consumers.

During Thursday’s Committee of the Whole hearing, Gatchalian grilled the DoE and ERC over the bill shock this month, saying the controversy had overshadowed the two agencies’ efforts in ensuring the constant delivery of electricity in every household during the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

The senator has hit The Manila Electric Co.’s (Meralco) billing statement for May, which he pointed out was the root cause of the confusion. His office has started initial inquiries on whether or not Meralco has taken advantage of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

In his May 19 statement, the lawmaker reminded Meralco of its obligation to follow the ERC advisories on the proper computation of electricity bills and correct payment dates of bills due within the ECQ period.

The ERC has already issued two advisories deferring payment of electricity bills during the ECQ without interest, penalties, fees and other charges — the April 15 advisory covering the period March 16, 2020 to April 30, 2020 and the May 5 advisory extending the deferment period until May 15, 2020.

Gatchalian also pointed out that the two ERC advisories state that the cumulative amount of electricity bill due within the ECQ shall be amortized in four equal monthly installments, payable in the four succeeding billing months following the end of the ECQ.

The senator said the power sector should have prepared for the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) without leaving consumers confused and displeased.

In response, ERC Chairman Agnes Devanadera informed the Senate that the commission had already instructed Meralco to separate electricity bills falling within the ECQ and MECQ period. Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi, on the other hand, told the senator that Meralco should detail its computation and explain the excessive billing statement.