Manuel V. Pangilinan-led power distribution giant Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) is stepping up its grid modernization strategy through continued investments in enhanced smart metering technologies aimed at strengthening its distribution network and reducing electricity losses. In a statement on...
The World Bank urged the Philippines to accelerate power sector reforms to lower electricity costs and reduce its dependence on imported fuel, saying cheaper and more reliable power has become critical to sustaining economic growth, attracting investments, and reducing poverty after the country’s...
Electricity consumers face higher monthly power bills starting this August after energy regulators granted urgent approval to raise a line-item surcharge that subsidizes renewable power developers. The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) issued a provisional authority allowing state-owned National...
Households face higher electricity bills starting in 2027 under the proposal by state-owned National Transmission Corp. (Transco) to raise the uniform line-item charge that subsidizes renewable energy developers. TransCo petitioned the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to increase the Feed-in...
The Office of the Ombudsman sought a preliminary investigation of Senator Loren Legarda and her son Batangas 1st distict Rep. Leandro Leviste for plunder and graft over alleged abuse of legislative and regulatory powers in securing solar energy contracts, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying”...
President Marcos’ fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) failed to mention the climate crisis, destructive mining, and communities threatened by the continued expansion of fossil fuel infrastructure, a Roman Catholic bishop pointed out on Thursday, July 30. “President Ferdinand Marcos Jr....
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earned widespread public approval when he declared in his fifth State of the Nation Address that consumers should no longer pay the system loss charge on their electricity bills. His reasoning was straightforward. Electricity lost before it reaches homes and...
Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan cautioned that removing system loss charges from electricity bills would place an unsustainable financial burden on the power industry, emphasizing that technical line losses are an unavoidable reality of power distribution. While the...
House Committee on Ways and Means Chairman Marikina City 2nd district Rep. Miro Quimbo says the chamber plans to lower the cost of electricity by imposing a one-time value added tax (VAT), on top of scrapping system loss charges as pitched by President Marcos. Quimbo told a news conference Tuesday,...
At least two senators heeded President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s call for an end to system loss charges burdening electricity consumers. Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian and Sen. Joseph Victor JV” Ejercito each filed a bill on the matter, saying it is imperative that Filipino...
DAVAO CITY – Mounting public outcry over soaring electricity bills has pushed members of the Davao City Council to call for urgent regulatory interventions, rate rollbacks, and structural reforms to protect local consumers from severe price shocks. In a privilege speech during Monday 's...
Consumers could see lower electricity bills within a year as the Department of Energy (DOE) moves to reduce system loss charges on monthly power bills, with Energy Secretary Sharon Garin saying the agency aims to implement reforms before the next State of the Nation Address (SONA). “It’s not...
