The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has extended its no-disconnection policy for another three months, until October 2026, Philstar Biz reported. The policy, originally implemented to protect consumers during economic hardship, prohibits distribution utilities from cutting off power supply due to unpaid bills.
The extension covers residential consumers with monthly consumption of up to 100 kilowatt-hours, as well as those under the lifeline rate program. The ERC emphasized that the moratorium aims to provide relief to households still recovering from the impact of recent economic challenges.
Distribution utilities are reminded to strictly comply with the directive and to offer installment payment plans for accumulated arrears. The ERC warned that non-compliant utilities may face penalties, including fines and revocation of their franchise.