ERC suspends GEA-All collection

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) on Friday announced the temporary suspension of the collection of the Green Energy Auction Allowance (GEA-All) for the May and June 2026 billing period.

Under the advisory issued by the ERC, the collection of the GEA-All rate equivalent to P0.0371 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) will be temporarily suspended for all electricity consumers nationwide for the covered billing months.

In a statement, the ERC said the move forms part of ongoing efforts to help ease the financial burden on Filipino electricity consumers amid rising inflation and global economic pressures.

The GEA-All serves as the mechanism used to support payments to eligible renewable energy developers participating in the program.

The power industry regulator said the suspension applies to all Collection Agents, including Distribution Utilities (DUs), Retail Electricity Suppliers (RES), and the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP).

The ERC said that the decision was made after evaluating the current status of the GEA-All Fund, which, as of May 5, 2026, maintains a healthy balance of approximately P466.49 million.

Based on the Commission’s assessment, the existing fund remains sufficient to cover the projected payment requirements of eligible renewable energy (RE) developers during the suspension period, including the expected participation of additional renewable energy facilities by June 2026.

“While the ERC remains fully committed to supporting the country’s transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources, we also recognize the immediate challenges being faced by Filipino households due to rising prices and global uncertainties. This temporary suspension of the GEA-All collection is intended to provide additional relief to consumers while ensuring that renewable energy developers continue to receive the support provided under existing policies,” said ERC chairperson and CEO Francis Saturnino Juan.

“The Commission will continue to ensure that policies promoting renewable energy remain fair, transparent, and sustainable. At the same time, we are committed to implementing practical interventions that can help cushion consumers from sudden increases in electricity-related costs,” added Juan.

The ERC said that the temporary suspension will not affect the continued implementation of the government’s renewable energy programs and commitments under the Green Energy Auction Program (GEAP).

The regulator will undertake a comprehensive review of the GEA-All Fund status by June 2026 to determine whether the suspension may be extended further, depending on fund sufficiency and prevailing market conditions. —LDF, GMA News