Senator Win Gatchalian has urged the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to prevent steep, one-time increases in electricity rates, warning of added burden on consumers already grappling with rising fuel prices.
During a Senate Ad Hoc Committee hearing, Gatchalian raised concerns over possible power rate adjustments, noting the country’s reliance on coal and vulnerability to fluctuations in natural gas prices.
ERC Chairman Saturnino Juan said electricity costs could rise by as much as ₱2 to ₱4 per kilowatt-hour.
“Bad timing kung isasabay ang pagtaas ng kuryente sa mataas na presyo ng langis. May kapangyarihan ang komisyon na ipatupad ito nang hulugan o staggered basis dahil magiging double whammy ito sa ating mga consumers,” Gatchalian said.
The senator appealed to the ERC to avoid “one-time, big-time” rate hikes, stressing that many households may struggle to absorb sudden increases in utility costs.
ERC officials, for their part, said they are exploring mechanisms to better manage potential adjustments. These include requiring distribution utilities to submit monthly cost calculations before implementing any rate changes, allowing regulators to assess and mitigate the impact across consumers.
The warning comes as global energy pressures continue to build, raising concerns over both fuel and electricity costs nationwide.