THE ENERGY Regulatory Commission (ERC) stated Wednesday that it held discussions with the federal government’s financial planning company on establishing an electrical energy affordability index to raised implement backed energy charges for poor shoppers.
In a press release, the ERC stated it met with the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) to debate the index as a part of the regulator’s actions in response to Republic Act No. 11552, An Act Extending and Enhancing the Implementation of the Lifeline Rate.
The lifeline price is a socialized pricing mechanism for marginalized end-users. It was first licensed by RA 9136, or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 (EPIRA). RA 11552 amends Section 73 of EPIRA.
“Considering the present state of our electrical energy charges, notably era charges, we sit up for the rapid realization of the aims of Republic Act No. 11552 and obtain a extra equitable implementation of the lifeline subsidy, notably to these dwelling under the poverty threshold,” ERC Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer Monalisa C. Dimalanta stated within the assertion.
The ERC stated index is meant to offer authorities companies a “clear view” of a client’s means to pay electrical energy payments, and can mirror the nuances of each area by way of retail electrical energy costs.
“The Electricity Affordability Index is envisioned to support the adoption of government policies and programs that are sensitive to the geographic and economic peculiarities of electricity consumers,” the ERC stated.
The ERC added that it has signed a data-sharing settlement with personal distribution utilities to enhance lifeline price implementation
The ERC stated the data-sharing deal will likely be accompanied by privateness safeguards to guard these eligible for lifeline charges, that are meant for marginalized energy shoppers. – Ashley Erika O. Jose
