• CHERYL G. CRUZ
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has approved June 13 the staggered payment of Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) purchases by distribution utilities (DUs) for four months, starting bills payable this June.
“By proactively monitoring the generation costs of all power utilities, the ERC aims, through this measure, to mitigate the impact of the high generation rates, particularly for consumers of DUs with high WESM exposure amidst the recent heat waves in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, and a series of red and yellow alerts in the Luzon and Visayas grids,” the ERC said in a statement.
DUs, like the Central Negros Electric Cooperative, Northern Negros Electric Cooperative, and Negros Occidental Electric Cooperative, can also offer alternative payment options to consumers under terms mutually acceptable to both parties.
“Consumers have the right to be informed of these options and other matters affecting their electric service, and should contact their respective DUs for information on the available alternative payment options,” the ERC said.
They can also request for special payment terms to settle their unpaid bills, it said, adding that it will issue an order to the Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines (IEMOP), the operator of WESM, and the DUs to immediately implement the payment scheme.
The IEMOP will also be directed not to impose penalties on DUs as a result of such payment arrangement.
The ERC also earlier directed DUs to submit a report on the number of disconnected consumers due to nonpayment of bills for the March and April billing months. | CGC
