ERC extends suspension of GEA-All collection until August 2026

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has extended the suspension of the Green Energy Auction Allowance (GEA-All) collection for another two months, as the government seeks to ease electricity costs while the country remains under a national state of energy emergency.

According to the ERC, GEA-All collection will be suspended for the July and August 2026 billing months, covering the rate of P0.0371 per kilowatt-hour (kWh). The earlier suspension notice covered the May and June 2026 billing periods.

The GEA-All is a uniform charge collected from consumers to fund payments to renewable energy (RE) developers participating in the government’s Green Energy Auction Program (GEAP), as it seeks to transition to cleaner and more sustainable sources.

The suspension will apply to all collection agents including distribution utilities (DUs), retail electricity suppliers, and the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP).

“The Commission approved the extension after determining that the GEA-All Fund remains financially sufficient to cover payment obligations to eligible RE developers during the suspension period,” the ERC said in an emailed statement.

“The temporary suspension is intended to provide immediate relief to electricity consumers as Filipino households continue to face the effects of rising inflation and increasing cost-of-living pressures brought about by global developments,” it said.

Failure to comply may result in the issuance of show cause orders and the imposition of appropriate penalties.

ERC Market Operations Service director Sharon Montañer last month said the agency will recommend an extension of the suspension if sufficient funds are available to cover the deferred charges.

The ERC said the fund maintained a balance of P707.47 million as of June 5, 2026, which it deemed adequate to support disbursements including payments for additional RE facilities expected to start commercial operations in the coming months.

The Philippines, a net importer of fuel, has been in a state of national energy emergency since March due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. — BM, GMA News