By Fernan Angeles
THE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has an axe to grind against six power distribution utilities for wanton disregard of the ERC-issued advisories suspending collection of unnecessary charges to its consumers.
ERC chairperson and chief executive office Agnes Devanadera likewise ordered them to explain why the industry regulator should not impose sanctions against them for their continuing defiance of the agency’s memorandum.
At the Laging Handa briefing, Devanadera said they have already been receiving loads of complaints against power distributors, which include the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), adding that they are inclined to slap sanctions against them after finding culpable violations.
“Nag-review kami ng mga report at nakita natin na maraming lumabag. Iyong ibang paglabag nila, kasi sabi natin huwag nang singilin ‘yong ‘FIT-All;’ huwag nang singilin iyong universal charge/environmental charge pero naningil pa rin sila,” Devanadera said.
“Iyon, mga paglabag ‘yon. So, ang ginawa ng ERC sinulatan itong mga ito at pinagpapaliwanag natin,” she said.
Aside from Meralco, the six other distribution utilities headed for sanctions are Olongapo Electricity Distribution Company (OECD); Misamis Oriental II Electric Cooperative, Inc. (MORESCO II); Camarines Sur II Electric Cooperative, Inc. (CASURECO II); Central Negros Electric Cooperative, Inc. (CENECO); Iloilo III Electric Cooperative, Inc. (IIoilo III); and Batangas II Electric Cooperative, Inc. (BATELEC II).
In May, the ERC issued an advisory suspending “until further notice” the collection of the Universal Charge-Environmental Charge (UC-EC) equivalent to P0.0025 per kilowatt-hour (kWh).
In March, the power industry regulator also suspended the collection of FIT-All charges for one month to provide relief to electricity consumers in light of the lockdown situation. FIT-All charge is the subsidy paid by electricity consumers for the portion of power supply generated from renewable energy sources.
“Hindi ko masasabi kung magkano ang ating magiging multa dahil nagaantay pa tayo ng kasagutan sa ating order na sila ay magpaliwanag kung bakit sa ating initial evaluation ay may paglabag na sila sa ating advisories,” Devanadera said.
The ERC chair’s remark came on the heels of its P19-million fine against Meralco for alleged “failure to clearly indicate that the bills were estimated” and “failure to comply with the mandated installment payment arrangement.”