Marcos eyes EPIRA review to cut power costs

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos is calling for the review of Republic Act 9136, or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA), in an attempt to bring down the cost of electricity nationwide.

During his third State of the Nation Address, Marcos said the law must be revisited to determine whether the current energy policies are still applicable for the present time or if amendments are necessary.

“Hinihiling ko sa Kongreso na pagtulungan na natin ito, alang-alang sa kapakanan ng mga Pilipino. Sa taas ng presyo ng kuryente sa bansa, nahihirapan hindi lamang ang mga negosyante kung hindi lalo na ang taumbayan (I urge Congress to work together on this matter for the benefit of the Filipino people. The high electricity prices are causing difficulties not just for entrepreneurs but more so for ordinary citizens),” Marcos said.

Enacted in 2001, EPIRA provides the framework for the restructuring of the country’s electric power industry to ensure consumer protection and allow enhanced competition for subsectors such as generation, transmission and distribution.

While the cost of electricity remains high, Marcos said his administration has continued to ramp up the development of power infrastructure to address energy issues.

The Chief Executive also said that the government has implemented several initiatives to ensure fair billing for consumers.

Among these are the launch of the Lifeline Rate program, which offers a subsidized rate to qualified low-income consumers; the Anti-Bill Shock program, which provides loan facilities to distribution utilities, and the suspension of the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market during red alerts in the Luzon and Visayas grids.

These initiatives also include the temporary suspension of the collection of the feed-in tariff allowance as well as the elimination of excessive charges to consumers that include franchise fees.

Meanwhile, Power for People Coalition convenor Gerry Arances said the comprehensive review of EPIRA is indeed “long overdue.”

“Addressing the blatant disregard for consumers’ welfare in the sources of power we use and in the way our power sector is governed, alongside undue preservation of corporate interests, is of utmost urgency,” Arances said.

While Marcos acknowledged the issues in the country’s power sector, Arances expressed concern about the President’s lack of concrete plans for “real change.”

He stressed that Marcos could not simply mention the frequent power outages without identifying the coal and gas facilities that were primarily responsible.

“Failing to hold them accountable means (Marcos) is giving a free pass to the companies that brought detriment to millions of consumers,” Arances said.