MANILA: 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.
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. - Inquirer/ANN
