ERC: CONSUMERS MAY FACE HIGHER ELECTRICITY COSTS AMID HEAT AND GLOBAL CRISIS

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) warned that electricity bills in the Philippines could rise due to seasonal demand and the ongoing Middle East conflict.

ERC Chairperson Francis Saturnino Juan said the country’s reliance on imported coal, natural gas, and oil makes it vulnerable to global price fluctuations, which directly affect power generation costs.

While price hikes appear inevitable, the ERC is exploring ways to ease the impact, including possibly staggering the increases over several months.

The agency has also strengthened monitoring of power plants and the electricity market to prevent irregularities and ensure grid stability during peak summer demand.

Consumers are urged to manage their energy use, with low-income households eligible for subsidies under the Uniform National Lifeline Rate Program to help offset rising electricity costs.

Source: PhilNews24 | March 22, 2026