Govt to review rules on system loss charges

MANILA, Philippines - The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is revisiting plans to review and amend the rules governing system loss charges on power consumption. ERC Chief Zenaida S. Ducut said the commission will study the possibility of reducing the system loss cap for electric cooperatives and distribution utilities. "The system loss caps of 9.5 percent for private utilities and 14 precent for electronic cooperatives have been in effect since 1999. It is high time that we review these caps and possibly reduce them in order to alleviate the burden to the consumers," Ducut said. She said the study will take a few weeks and changes, if justified, will be made according to standard procedures. "Any move to change the present system loss caps will require amendments to certain rules. Rest assured that everyone affected by such move will be afforded due process and given the opportunity to participate in public consultations," she said. The ERC has been attempting to review and amend the rules on system loss charges since 2004. - GMANews.TV