ERC halts power cuts, allows staggered billing in calamity zones

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) directed all distribution utilities in areas declared under a State of Calamity due to Typhoon Tino to suspend electricity disconnections and implement staggered billing from November 4 to December 31, 2025.

The advisory, issued November 7, covers both residential and non-residential electricity accounts.

DUs must offer flexible payment schemes, particularly for lifeline customers consuming up to 100 kWh monthly, who may pay their November and December bills in at least two equal installments once their bills are released.

The ERC also mandated upstream power players – including generation firms, the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation, National Power Corporation, National Transmission Corporation, National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, independent power producers and administrators, and the Market Operator – to implement the same staggered payment terms for remittances owed by DUs.

The staggered remittance scheme applies only to amounts collected from customers in calamity-declared areas.

The ERC emphasized that DUs must segregate payments to determine the accurate share due to each industry player.

“Nothing in this advisory shall preclude a consumer from paying his or her electric bills,” the commission said, urging consumers who can afford to pay on time to do so.

Utilities may also propose additional alternative payment terms, provided these are mutually agreed upon with customers.

The move is part of ERC’s consumer protection mandate and response to the widespread damage and power interruptions caused by Typhoon Tino, which prompted several local governments across Luzon and the Visayas to declare a State of Calamity.

The commission has issued similar advisories in past typhoons, including during Typhoons Odette and Ulysses, to ease the financial burden on affected communities and ensure continued access to electricity services.