Electricity Consumers on PBBM’s Midterm SONA: Low Electricity Rate Remains Elusive

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Metro Manila (July 28) — President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. (PBBM) delivered his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA), mentioning his administration’s latest accomplishments for the energy sector, but his plans for lowering the high electricity rates remain to be seen, says electricity consumer welfare group Kuryente.org.

During PBBM’s SONA on Monday, he mentioned data, such as powering 2.5 million households, as well as the government’s energy plans in the three remaining years of his term.

He reiterated the government's adherence to their climate commitments through the expansion of renewable energy, as well as plans to complete 200 power plants, expansion of the lifeline rate and implementation of a net-metering system using solar power. 

PBBM also promised that in his remaining years, his administration will investigate and make generation-erring sectors accountable, including enforcement of refunds if necessary. 

“We would like to see a clear directive from the Office of the President with regard to this matter,” says Bas Umali, Kuryente.org National Coordinator.

Umali says the operationalization of 200 plants as well as the expansion of renewable energy capacity may contribute to lowering the electricity rates but it will not happen in the near future. Umali believes the consumers will have to pay higher rates for the following years.

“What is the plan of the administration to protect electricity consumers from different factors that affect electricity prices such as armed conflict and inflation?” Umali asks the President. 

He adds that: We consumers demand protection. There are different options that the energy leaders must consider like recalibrating or removing taxes or providing direct subsidies to the residential electricity consumers which comprise the largest number in the sector.

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