President Marcos has directed the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to study the possible implementation of temporary relief on electricity bill payments in areas under state of calamity due to Severe Tropical Storm (STS) Kristine.
The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said on Tuesday, Oct. 29, that the President instructed ERC to study the imposition of a moratorium on electricity line disconnections and payment collections from October to December 2024.
It will also include flexible payment options to ease the financial burden on affected communities and support their recovery efforts, according to PCO.
This initiative, PCO added, is part of the government’s efforts to aid communities affected by the typhoon that hit most of Luzon last week.
“To aid in recovery efforts, the President directed the ERC to study the immediate implementation of a moratorium on electricity line disconnection and payment collection for the period October to December 2024 in areas under State of Calamity due to STS Kristine, and staggered payments of electricity for the said months, as necessary,” the Palace statement said.
Last week, typhoon Kristine brought heavy rain and strong winds to parts of the country, leaving some communities submerged in floodwaters. Of the affected regions, the Bicol Region sustained the most significant damage.