In Negros Occidental, the Alliance of Concerned Consumers in Electricity and Social Services (ACCESS), led by President Wennie Sancho, is urging the government to establish Energy Price Monitoring Councils (EPMC) at both the national and local levels. The group advocates for these councils to be created through legislation or an executive order to enhance oversight of energy prices across the country.
Sancho highlighted the importance of establishing these councils to alleviate the economic struggles of household electricity consumers. He added that the councils would serve to protect consumers by ensuring fair and reasonable electricity pricing.
“This initiative will require coordinated efforts to protect consumers and distribution utilities from further increases in electricity prices, especially amid economic challenges caused by inflation and the rising cost of living,” he stated.
Sancho announced plans to submit a proposal for forming the EMPC to both national and local officials.
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Stricter oversight of energy prices in the PH
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is responsible for regulating electricity rates in the Philippines, ensuring they are fair and transparent. Operating as an independent body, its mandate includes promoting consumer interests, encouraging market competition and development, and ensuring reasonably priced transmission and distribution rates while penalizing market abuse.
Sancho proposed that the NPMC encourage the ERC to reassess power generation charges to ensure transparency and equity. At the local level, the EPMC would work with local government units to address high electricity costs. These councils would be responsible for monitoring electricity prices, analyzing price trends, investigating complaints of price manipulation, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations.
Additionally, Sancho urged the ERC to improve its management of power generation companies. He called for intensified monitoring to ensure regulatory compliance and fair practices within the industry.
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How ACCESS was created
Concerned consumers in Negros Occidental formed the Alliance of Concerned Consumers in Electricity and Social Services (ACCESS) to advocate for consumer rights, especially regarding electricity and social services. The group, which includes various sectors like transport, business, and homeowners’ associations, is focused on strengthening consumer protection in the province.
ACCESS was officially launched on October 15 in Bacolod City. The organization aims to advise on policies affecting consumers’ rights, particularly those related to distribution utilities (DUs), and to mediate conflicts between consumers and DUs through dialogue and resolution processes.
The alliance also seeks to collaborate with DUs and local government units to ensure a reliable, affordable power supply while addressing issues like power pilferage and system losses.
Sources:
https://www.panaynews.net/creation-of-energy-price-monitoring-council-urged/
https://dailyguardian.com.ph/consumers-group-pushes-for-energy-price-monitoring-councils
https://www.dbm.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/OPCCB/opif2009/2009%20OEOs%20Opif1st/erc.pdf
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/bacolod/consumer-group-calls-for-creation-of-price-monitoring-councils
https://www.panaynews.net/negros-occidental-consumers-form-alliance-for-rights-protection