PALACE SEEKS TOUGHER ANTI-THEFT DRIVE FROM POWER DISTRIBUTORS

Malacañang has urged power utilities to strengthen efforts against electricity theft and pilferage as the government studies President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s proposal to remove system loss charges from consumers’ electricity bills.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the President wants to ease the burden on consumers without shifting additional costs to utility companies.

The proposal would eliminate system loss charges and the corresponding 12% value-added tax but would require amendments to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA).

Power industry groups, including Meralco and the Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association, have expressed support for further discussions while raising concerns about the proposal’s impact on utilities.

Marcos said consumers should only pay for the electricity they use and not for losses caused by inefficiencies or power theft.

Source: PhilNews24 | July 30, 2026