A SENATOR on Sunday warned power companies against taking advantage of extreme weather conditions, such as the “Super El Niño,” with unjustified price hikes or bad service.
In a statement, Senate Committee on Energy Chairperson and Senator Erwin T. Tulfo told power companies to ensure price increases are fair. He also urged the Department of Energy (DoE) and Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to protect consumers from abusive pricing and the looming electricity rate hikes and outages.
Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin said on Oct. 7 that the impending super El Niño and conflicts in the Middle East may strain power facilities. She told the public to expect electricity price spikes and rolling blackouts.
Mr. Tulfo said the DoE and the ERC must fast-track concrete plans and safeguards to ensure energy supplies are stable, and no artificial shortages are created to justify price spikes.
The senator also cited House Bill No. 10858, or the 2027 General Appropriations Bill, which provides an allotment for the expansion of sitio electrification activities. He noted, however, that the measure will be ineffective if Executive agencies do not ease the on-the-ground energy situation. — Francessca S. Abalos