DOE: Cutting renewable energy charges from Meralco bill may reduce power supply

The Department of Energy (DOE) on Thursday warned that removing renewable energy charges from electricity bills could lead to reduced power supply and fewer clean energy projects in the country.

Interviewed on GMA News’ Unang Balita, DOE Secretary Sharon Garin made the statement amid concerns raised by some consumers over charges reflected in bills issued by Manila Electric Company (Meralco).

“Kung aalisin natin 'yan, mawawala 'yung mga, mababawasan po 'yung renewable energy projects natin at mababawasan 'yung power natin,” Garin said.

(If we remove that, our renewable energy projects and power supply will be reduced.)

“So, babawasan mo, dadami na 'yung mga coal natin, 'yung mga diesel natin. At at the same time, mababawasan po 'yung power kaya kukulangin tayo sa power din kasi ginagamit din 'yun ng Meralco,” she added.

(So, when you cut renewable energy, our coal and diesel will increase. And at the same time, power will be reduced, so we will also have less power supply because Meralco also uses that.)

Several groups and households earlier raised concerns against Meralco over bill charges they say are unrelated to actual electricity consumption.

Garin said renewable energy charges are part of the power generation fees, but they are separated due to contractual arrangements.

Meralco secures electricity supply through generation contracts. These contracts may involve agreements with power plants or the Green Energy Auction Program.

The agency explained that renewable energy forms part of the overall supply obtained through these channels, as part of efforts to ensure sufficient and sustainable power for consumers.

Asked if the DOE can order the removal of charges being questioned in the Meralco bill, Garin said billing components must be approved by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC). —AOL, GMA News