The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) declared on Friday that the temporary ban on cutting off electricity services will be prolonged through October 2026.
ERC Chairperson Francis Saturnino “Nino” Juan disclosed that the regulatory body recently greenlit an order to prolong a previous directive that put a temporary stop to power service terminations for both households and businesses.
“Inaprubahan ng komisyon noong isang araw yung kautusan na magpapalawig doon sa nauna na naming inilabas na advisory noon na wala muna putulan, residential man o non-residential, sa loob ng tatlong buwan, so hanggang Oktubre,” Juan said in an interview with DZMM.
This prolonged relief arrives as electricity distribution utilities persist in pursuing phased adjustments to power rates that were initially introduced in June.
Meanwhile, progressive coalitions Akbayan and Sentro expressed approval of the ERC’s move, though they asserted that the disconnection ban ought to persist for the duration of the financial difficulties consumers face due to steep power bills.
The organizations also renewed their call for an official probe into prevailing electricity costs.
“It’s unfair to disconnect families from a very essential service when some charges on their bills are questionable,” Akbayan President Rafaela David said.
“As long as electricity bills continue to shock consumers, the suspension of service disconnections must be extended. People should not have to choose between keeping the lights on and putting food on the table.”
The advocacy groups emphasized that everyday households must not be deprived of electricity while questions regarding the fairness and economic viability of current power rates remain up in the air.