Consumer group broadens focus

MANILA, Philippines — A consumer advocacy group in Cebu has expanded its campaign beyond electricity concerns to include water supply, affordability, and other issues affecting consumers.

It recently relaunched under a new name and distributed 50 free solar lights to delegates.

Formerly known as Cebu Electricity Rights Advocates, the organization is now called Cebu Consumer Rights Advocates (CCRA), reflecting its expanded mandate to address consumer concerns involving essential services, particularly electricity and water.

CCRA president Nathaniel Chua said the group was initially organized in March 2024 amid recurring power interruptions. However, it later recognized the need to broaden its advocacy as communities also began experiencing unreliable and expensive water services.

Chua said consumers, particularly vendors, small business owners, and households, continue to bear the consequences of unstable electricity and water supply.

He cited the impact of sudden power interruptions on small businesses, including vendors selling frozen goods who stand to lose their merchandise when electricity is unavailable for extended periods.

He also questioned why electric cooperatives are allowed higher system loss limits than private distribution utilities, which are subject to a 5.5-percent cap.

According to Chua, consumers in provincial areas served by electric cooperatives often pay higher electricity rates despite generally earning less than those in urban areas.

He said CCRA would push for a review of system loss limits to prevent consumers from shouldering excessive costs arising from electricity theft and other non-technical losses.

On water services, Chua raised concerns over intermittent supply, aging pipelines, and non-revenue water, which he said could account for around 30 percent of the water distributed.

He also questioned the high cost of water procurement, saying the expense could exceed the selling price charged by the Metropolitan Cebu Water District, potentially resulting in losses that consumers eventually shoulder.

The group is also seeking stronger consumer representation in government regulatory bodies, particularly the Energy Regulatory Commission.

It said consumers should not merely be invited to consultations and energy summits but should be allowed to raise concerns and have their positions considered.

During a previous energy summit, Chua said the group pushed for the declaration of a state of energy emergency amid recurring power interruptions, but the proposal was not adopted.

He stressed that ordinary consumers and small vendors cannot afford generators and expensive power stations as backup during outages.

Meanwhile, CCRA distributed 50 free solar lights to delegates as part of its efforts to promote community empowerment and renewable energy awareness.

The initiative aims to demonstrate the practical benefits of solar-powered lighting, particularly in communities where reliable and affordable electricity remains a concern.

CCRA said consumer advocacy should go beyond raising complaints and demanding accountability by also promoting practical initiatives that provide direct benefits to communities.

Chua has been designated lead convenor for water and electricity, with the organization identifying reliable utility services, consumer education, accountability, and stronger consumer representation as its priority areas.

The group said it aims to provide ordinary Cebuano consumers with a platform to raise concerns affecting their households, livelihoods, and communities.

It also plans to encourage dialogue among consumers, utility providers, regulators, local government units, and other stakeholders.

CCRA said its membership is open to the general public, including consumers, civic organizations, and community leaders, as it seeks to strengthen consumer protection and representation throughout Cebu. — (FREEMAN)