ERC extends suspension of power disconnections for 3 more months

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has extended the suspension of disconnection of residential and non-residential power consumers in line with the declaration of state of national energy emergency.

In an advisory on Thursday, the ERC announced it is extending the implementation of the consumer relief protection measures.

In May, the agency suspended disconnections for customers failing to pay their bills from May to July while allowing up three-month installment of payments.

The power industry regulator directed all distribution utilities (DUs) in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao to suspend electricity service disconnections in their captive markets for non-payment of electricity bills covering the period August 2026 to October 2026

The ERC also ordered power distributor to implement staggered or deferred payment schemes to ease the financial burden on consumers.

“Consumers, with monthly consumption not exceeding 200 kilowatt- hours, are allowed to defer payment of their electricity bills for the Extended Covered Billing Period and pay the same on a staggered basis for at least three months from receipt of the electricity bill,” the agency said.

“Payment maybe spread over three months, with installments reflected in subsequent billing statements,” it said.

The ERC clarified that its advisory does not prevent a consumer from paying his or her electric bills in full for the extended covered billing period.

“Thus, consumers, who are able to pay their electric bills in full, are urged to pay the same,” it said.

Moreover, the power industry regulator said generation companies (GenCos), Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation (PSALM), National Power Corporation (NPC), National Transmission Corporation (TRANSCO), National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), Independent Power Producers (IPPs), Independent Power Producer Administrators (IPPAs), and Market Operator (MO) “shall extend the same payment scheme to the DUs.”

“The DU shall segregate the amounts paid by the consumers to determine the amount due to GenCos, PSALM, NPC, TRANSCO, NGCP, IPPAs and MO, which shall be paid on a staggered basis for at least three months,” it said.

The ERC also required DUs to submit their compliance to the latest directives within 30 days from the extended covered billing period, or on or before October 30, 2026. — BM, GMA News