LKI lauds ERC decision on Meralco refund application; calls for timely action on rate reset of power distributors to maximize consumer benefits

Laban Konsyumer Inc. (LKI) welcomes the Energy Regulatory Commission’s (ERC) decision that allowed MERALCO to proceed with its refund petition —a much-needed relief for millions of consumers.

“The ₱20-billion refund will be effective in the next three years, entitling residential customers with ₱0.20/kilowatt-hour reduction in electricity bills. This is a timely and positive development for the pockets of consumers already burdened by the rising costs of goods,” LKI Trustee Jorge Bandola said.

While we commend the ERC’s decision on this matter, we also urge the regulator to act swiftly on the long-overdue rate reset of MERALCO and other distribution utilities to maximize the benefits of timely regulatory reviews.

The years-long delays in the rate reset proceedings have hindered consumers from fully benefitting from the promised benefits of performance-based regulation, which is supposed to hold distribution utilities accountable for fair and reasonable power rates, as well as quality of service.

“In the interest of consumer welfare, we urge the ERC to conduct a review of electricity rates charged by other power distributors to ensure that all consumers—not just those being serviced by MERALCO—benefit from transparent and reasonable rates,” Bandola said.

“We will strictly monitor the rate reset proceedings and we expect the ERC to uphold consumer welfare by observing timeliness, fairness, and transparency in its regulatory actions,” he concluded.