The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has announced a temporary suspension of the Green Energy Auction (GEA) allowance, providing households an estimated relief of around ₱6 per month for an average electricity consumption of 200 kWh, as part of ongoing efforts to ease rising power costs.
In a DZRH interview, ERC Chairperson Atty. Francis Saturnino C. Juan confirmed the issuance of an advisory halting the collection of the GEA allowance, a charge intended to support renewable energy developers under the government’s Green Energy Auction Program.
“Mayroon tayong advisory na kinalabas noong Biyernes… ito yung para ihinto muna yung paniningil ng GEA allowance,” Juan said, explaining that the fee is used to ensure payment to renewable energy providers based on auctioned rates.
According to the ERC, the adjustment translates to roughly ₱0.03 per kilowatt-hour reduction, which results in about ₱6 monthly savings for typical residential consumers.
Beyond the GEA suspension, Juan said the ERC is also reviewing other generation-related charges that may have a larger impact on electricity bills, some of which could exceed ₱1 per kWh.
“We are studying possible regulatory intervention para hindi sabay-sabay ang pagtaas ng bill components,” he noted, adding that the commission may issue a decision within the week regarding proposed adjustments.
Despite the relief measures, Juan emphasized that charges such as lifeline subsidies remain mandated by law and cannot simply be removed without congressional action. He explained that these programs operate under a pass-through system designed to maintain transparency in electricity billing.
The ERC also confirmed continued monitoring of utilities and generators, especially amid concerns over “bill shock” due to rising generation costs. A Senate inquiry into electricity price increases is also expected to proceed, where the ERC will submit its findings.
Meanwhile, the commission has issued a three-month moratorium on power disconnections for certain consumers and introduced a staggered payment option for residential users consuming 100 kWh or less.
Juan stressed that while the ERC is providing short-term relief, long-term solutions depend on increasing power supply and competition in the energy sector.
“Kung may sobra-sobrang kapasidad tayo, mas bababa ang presyo. Pero hindi ito mangyayari overnight,” he said.
