The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) on Friday ordered the temporary suspension of Green Energy Auction Allowance (GEA-All) charges for May and June to relieve Filipino power consumers of additional costs amid rising inflation and the global crisis.

“Under the advisory issued by the Commission, the collection of the GEA-All rate equivalent to PhP 0.0371/kWh will be temporarily suspended for all electricity consumers nationwide for the covered billing months. The suspension applies to all Collection Agents, including Distribution Utilities (DUs), Retail Electricity Suppliers (RES), and the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP),” the ERC said.

Based on the ERC’s evaluation, the GEA-All Fund as of May 5 maintains a healthy balance of ₱466.49 million, and the existing fund was found adequate to cover the projected charges of eligible renewable energy (RE) developers for the two months, leading to the decision.

“While the ERC remains fully committed to supporting the country’s transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources, we also recognize the immediate challenges being faced by Filipino households due to rising prices and global uncertainties,” ERC Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer Francis Saturnino Juan said.

“This temporary suspension of the GEA-All collection is intended to provide additional relief to consumers while ensuring that renewable energy developers continue to receive the support provided under existing policies,” he said.

The temporary suspension will not affect the government’s implementation of renewable energy programs and commitments under the Green Energy Auction Program (GEAP), the ERC clarified.

By June, the commission will conduct a thorough review of the GEA-All Fund status to see whether the suspension may be further extended.