Hontiveros calls to lower electricity charges

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Risa Hontiveros called on the Department of Energy and the Energy Regulatory Commission to look for Meralco’s “potentially onerous surcharges” that cause higher power rates in the Philippines, the second highest in Asia, said the solon.

In her Facebook account, Hontiveros said that while she welcomes Meralco’s relaxed disconnection policy this pandemic, the real problem is the higher electricity bill because of surcharges.

“I welcome Meralco’s relaxed disconnection policy for unpaid consumers. Pero ang tunay na problema ay ang mataas pa ring singil sa kuryente dahil sa mga ‘surcharges’ na ipinapasa sa consumers. Isa na rito ang 15% weighted average cost of capital na halos doble sa 8% average global standard,” she said.  

“Kaya hinihimok ko ang Department of Energy at Energy Regulatory Commission na tingnan ang ‘potentially onerous surcharges’ gaya nito,” she added.

The senator said that government agencies in the power sector should work together for Filipinos to enjoy lower electricity bill.

“Panawagan din sa mga power supplier at sa National Grid Corporation of the Philippines. Perhaps they should share a bigger part of the burden since they continue to enjoy higher return on investment and remain profitable even during the pandemic,” she said.

“Dapat na magtulungan ang pamahalaan at ang buong energy sector para mas maging abot-kaya ang singil sa kuryente. Sa panahong ito, unahin natin ang kapakanan ng pamilyang Pilipino."