Senator Win Gatchalian has called on the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to implement any electricity rate adjustments on a staggered basis to protect consumers from sudden financial strain.
Gatchalian, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Energy, stressed that ERC must closely monitor power rates and prevent abrupt, large-scale hikes.
“Ang sektor ng kuryente ay isang regulated industry, at hindi dapat payagan ng ERC ang ‘one-time, big-time’ na mga pagtaas sa singil sa kuryente. Ngayon ang pinakamasamang panahon para magtaas ng singil sa kuryente,” he said.
He added that gradual increases spread across billing cycles would help ease the burden on households already struggling with high daily expenses.
“Trabaho ng ERC na tumulong na pagaanin ang pasanin ng ating mga kababayan,” Gatchalian said.
The senator noted that while government intervention in electricity pricing is limited under the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA), authorities may still step in during supply shortages.