ERC mulls extending no disconnection policy until end-2020

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) on Tuesday said it is planning to extend the no disconnection policy until the end of the year as consumers continue to grapple with the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

During a Senate hearing on the ERC's proposed P564 million budget for 2021, Senator Risa Hontiveros asked if the moratorium on issuing electricity disconnection notices could be extended beyond the  October 31 to December 31 deadline.

"'Yan po ang nakalagay sa aming draft ngayon. Sinusundan din po namin ang spirit, not just the letter of the laws," ERC Chairperson and CEO Agnes Devanadera said.

Devanadera underscored that the ERC had always been an advocate of relaxing disconnection policies amid the pandemic, taking into consideration the situation of the consumers.

Nonetheless, she said those who can pay their electricity bills must not delay doing so.

"Kakambal po nito ang panawagan na doon naman sa kayang magbayad at mayroong pang mga pambayad—nakapagpadala na siguro ang kanilang mga anak, nakapagbigay naman na ng budget—ay magbayad na," Devanadera said.

She added that government offices should also not defer the payment of their bills.

Devanadera vowed to continue coordinating with the energy committees of both houses of Congress regarding the matter. — DVM, GMA News