ERC suspends GEA-All for May, June bills

The Energy Regulatory Commission has ordered the temporary suspension of the Green Energy Auction Allowance collection for the May and June 2026 billing periods to help ease electricity costs for consumers amid rising inflation and global economic pressures.

The ERC said the suspension covers the GEA-All rate equivalent to PHP 0.0371 per kilowatt-hour for all electricity consumers nationwide.

The order applies to all collection agents, including distribution utilities, retail electricity suppliers, and the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines.

The commission said it issued the advisory after reviewing the status of the GEA-All Fund, which had a balance of about PHP 466.49 million as of May 5, 2026.

Based on the ERC’s assessment, the fund remains sufficient to cover projected payments to eligible renewable energy developers during the two-month suspension period.

The ERC said the fund can also cover the expected participation of additional renewable energy facilities by June 2026.

ERC Chairperson and CEO Francis Saturnino C. Juan said the measure seeks to balance renewable energy development with consumer protection during a period of economic strain.

“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. 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,” Chairperson Juan said.

Juan said the commission will continue monitoring the power sector and implementing measures that promote both consumer welfare and long-term energy security.

“The Commission will continue to ensure that policies promoting renewable energy remain fair, transparent, and sustainable. At the same time, we are committed to implementing practical interventions that can help cushion consumers from sudden increases in electricity-related costs,” he added.

The ERC clarified that the suspension will not affect the continued implementation of the government’s renewable energy programs and commitments under the Green Energy Auction Program.

The GEA-All serves as the mechanism used to support payments to eligible renewable energy developers participating in the GEAP.

The GEAP is designed to support the country’s renewable energy supply by allowing qualified developers to participate in competitive green energy auctions.

The ERC said it will conduct a comprehensive review of the GEA-All Fund status by June 2026.

The review will determine whether the suspension may be extended further, depending on fund sufficiency and prevailing market conditions.