Senate probe into electricity bill spikes sought

The Department of Energy reported that the Philippines had the highest electricity costs in Southeast Asia as of June 2026, with average rates pegged at P12.43 per kilowatt-hour. — NIÑO JESUS ORBETA MANILA, Philippines — A resolution seeking an inquiry into the increase in electricity prices has been filed in the Senate in aid of legislation to protect power consumers. Sen. Erwin Tulfo, chairperson of the Senate energy panel, said he filed Senate Resolution No. 535 to ensure that electricity rates remain reasonable. “While electric distribution utilities and generation companies are entitled to recover prudent and legitimate costs necessary to maintain reliable electric service and undertake essential capital investments, consumers likewise have the right to fair, transparent, accurate, and reasonable electricity charges and access to timely and effective complaint resolution mechanisms,” Tulfo said in a statement. Article continues after this advertisement The senator also questioned the government’s capability to help consumers affected by bill shocks. “Is the government really powerless here? For instance, if an electric cooperative’s service is awful and the people are fed up with it, are we helpless?” he asked. “We cannot let our countrymen just accept this, especially with wage rates remaining stagnant,” Tulfo added. READ: PH power rates highest in Asean in June; further hikes loom READ: Fuel costs, peso depreciation drive power rate hikes—Meralco Article continues after this advertisement Tulfo vowed, as chairperson of the energy panel, to find a solution to rising power rates. He said: “We will find out how to temper these high electricity prices and make them affordable for Filipinos. In this day and age, access to power is a right and not a mere luxury. Every Filipino deserves fair electricity rates.” Article continues after this advertisement Recently, the Department of Energy reported that the Philippines had the highest electricity costs in Southeast Asia as of June 2026, with average rates pegged at P12.43 per kilowatt-hour. /mcm Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful.