CEBU CITY—A media personality and international boxing judge has filed a complaint against Visayan Electric Co. (VECO), the second largest private electric utility in the country.
Radio program host Edward Ligas accused the power utility of overcharging in violation of Republic Act (RA) 9136 or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act.
Ligas also accused the power firm of violating Republic Act (RA) 114679, or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act.
In his complaint filed before the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), Ligas complained that his monthly bill charges doubled during the implementation of the lockdown due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Ligas said he has been living in an apartment in Barangay Alang-Alang, Mandaue City, since April 2016, and his average monthly bill was only between P3,400 and P3,500.
Ligas said he was shocked when his monthly bill reached at least P10,000 from April to June.
The bill reached P13,641.54 in August, P11,761.32 in September and P9,057.01 in October.
“I expected our electric consumption to go down because at the time, we didn’t have to use iron because there were no work and class due to the pandemic,” said Ligas.
In his complaint, Ligas asked that he be granted a refund, and his bill rectified. He also asked that his electricity will not be disconnected pending the resolution of the case.
“The refund would just be P27,000 but that’s only for one consumer. How about the thousand other consumers who are experiencing similar situation? There were no basis and they couldn’t explain to me the reason for the surge. This has to stop, otherwise, this will become normal especially in this time of pandemic,” said Ligas.
When sought for comment, Quennie Bronce, VECO spokesperson, said the company was still preparing its statement regarding the issue.