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Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 29) – Power companies cannot cut power to low-consumption customers for the rest of the year, even if their bills remain unpaid, the Energy Regulatory Commission said.
Citing the Bayanihan to recover as a single law, the regulator said in a notice issued Thursday that distribution companies cannot disconnect customers who consume a relatively low electricity supply in a month.
The commission said customers who take in no more than twice the “maximum level of life line consumption” – or those who consume 200 kilowatt hours (kWh) or less per month – cannot disconnect from power lines even if they do not they have paid their bills.
The Bayanihan 2 Act is intended to provide additional relief to Filipinos displaced by the pandemic and the resulting recession.
The ERC rules classify customers that consume no more than 100 kWh per month as part of the “lifetime” segment that enjoys lower rates and charges compared to large customers.
All other consumers can take advantage of a 30-day grace period to settle their balances due during blackout periods without accruing interest, penalties, and other fees.
“Any unpaid balance after the expiration of the 30-day grace period will be paid in three equal monthly installments without incurring interest, penalties and other charges,” the ERC said in a publication.
Meanwhile, consumers who are able to pay their bills are encouraged to do so to allow power companies to manage cash flows and ensure sustained power supply.
The ERC also told power distributors to disseminate the new rules through a leaflet to inform their customers. The order went into effect on October 29 after being posted on ERC’s website.
Government agencies and units cannot make use of the grace period and installment payments.
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