Group wants all ERC commissioners out for allowing Meralco power hike

The Freedom from Debt Coalition on Saturday demanded the resignation of all commissioners of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) for allegedly failing to protect consumers from a P4.15-per-kilowatt-hour imposed by the Manila Electric Co.

 

In a statement, FDC said the ERC needs a total revamp, with people of "probity, integrity, and competence" replacing its current crop of commissioners.

Despite the blanket call for resignations, FDC singled out ERC Chairperson Zenaida Ducut for refusing to resign despite allegedly showing "showing no concern" for Filipino families and the effects of high electricity rates on the country's economy.

 

"Chairperson Ducut’s defense line that what the ERC approved was the clearance sought by Meralco to stagger its P4.15 price hike and not the price hike itself... is a palusot—a lame and dishonest excuse," FDC said.

 

FDC president Ricardo Reyes also scored the ERC for taking too long to look into the rate hike. "(She) said that they would need another three months to do their own investigation. Meanwhile, Meralco is again poised to ask for another power rate hike," Reyes said.

 

Ducut, in an e-mailed statement Friday, said Meralco's price hike was computed in accordance with the ERC's Automatic Rate Adjustment (AGRA) Rules, set in place before her term.

 

In her e-mail, the commissioner explained that, under AGRA, all distribution facilities can calculate their monthly generation charges based on the formula within the rules without checking with the ERC.
 

"Our decisions are 'collegial' in nature and are based on law and regulations and not on my sole discretion, as some detractors would like the public to believe,” Ducut said.

She added she will not resign despite criticism because the reputation of the commission is at stake.

 

Earlier this week, Akbayan party-list representatives asked President Benigno Aquino III to replace Ducut at the ERC. Akbayan party-list Representative Walden Bello is a former president of FDC. — Rie Takumi/JDS, GMA News