The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) said it has directed the temporary suspension in the collection of the Green Energy Auction Allowance (GEA-All) for the May and June 2026 billing periods to help ease the financial burden on electricity consumers amid rising inflation and global economic pressures.
The suspension applies to all collection agents, including distribution utilities (DUs), retail electricity suppliers (RES), and the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP). The collection of the GEA-All rate, equivalent to P0.0371 per kilowatt-hour, will be temporarily suspended for all electricity consumers nationwide for the two billing months.
The ERC explained that the decision was made after evaluating the current status of the GEA-All Fund, which, as of May 5, maintains a healthy balance of approximately P466.49 million. Based on the Commission’s assessment, the existing fund remains sufficient to cover the projected payment requirements of eligible renewable energy (RE) developers during the suspension period, including the expected participation of additional renewable energy facilities by June 2026.
ERC chairperson and CEO, Atty. Francis Saturnino Juan, emphasized that the measure reflects the Commission’s commitment to balancing support for renewable energy development with the need to protect consumers during periods of economic strain.
“While the ERC remains fully committed to supporting the country’s transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources, we also recognize the immediate challenges being faced by Filipino households due to rising prices and global uncertainties,” he said in a press release May 8. “This temporary suspension is intended to provide additional relief to consumers while ensuring that renewable energy developers continue to receive the support provided under existing policies.”
Juan said the ERC continues to closely monitor the power sector and implement responsive measures that promote both consumer welfare and long-term energy security.
“The Commission will continue to ensure that policies promoting renewable energy remain fair, transparent, and sustainable. At the same time, we are committed to implementing practical interventions that can help cushion consumers from sudden increases in electricity-related costs,” he added.
The ERC clarified that the temporary suspension will not affect the continued implementation of the government’s renewable energy programs and commitments under the Green Energy Auction Program (GEAP).
The GEA-All serves as the mechanism used to support payments to eligible renewable energy developers participating in the program.
There will be a comprehensive review of the GEA-All Fund status by June to determine whether the suspension may be extended further, depending on fund sufficiency and prevailing market conditions, the ERC added. ||
