Ongchuan and Rodriguez Push to Lower Electricity Costs in Off-Grid Areas

by Miriam G.Desacada and Malene Caya

Tacloban City–Reps. Edwin Ongchuan and Eulogio “Leo” Rodriguez have filed a resolution urging the government to explore ways to lower electricity costs in off-grid areas.

The move comes as a response to the rising costs affecting communities.

The resolution notes that recent increases in global fuel prices, influenced in part by tensions in the Middle East, have led to higher diesel costs. Many off-grid and missionary electrification areas in the Philippines depend on diesel-fired power plants operated through the National Power Corporation Small Power Utilities Group, making them more sensitive to fuel price changes.

In Northern Samar, several areas such as San Vicente, San Antonio, Capul, and Batag Island are among those classified as off-grid and are directly affected by these rising costs.

Under existing policies of the Energy Regulatory Commission, changes in fuel costs are reflected in electricity rates through cost recovery mechanisms. This situation has contributed to higher electricity bills in SPUG areas, affecting households and small businesses that already face economic challenges.

The measure encourages the Department of Energy, the National Power Corporation, and the Energy Regulatory Commission to consider immediate and practical options to help manage electricity costs. These may include temporary relief measures, fuel price stabilization approaches, and improved cost management strategies.

The resolution also proposes that the House Committee on Energy conduct an inquiry, in aid of legislation, into the current fuel price pass-through mechanisms affecting SPUG areas. The review aims to look into ways to further strengthen consumer protection, promote transparency, and support long-term efforts toward more affordable and sustainable energy sources.

In a related effort, Congressman Ongchuan also filed House Resolution No. 889, which directs the House Committee on Energy to conduct an inquiry in aid of legislation to better understand how various charges affect electric cooperatives and consumers nationwide. The review will also assess whether the current framework remains aligned with the consumer protection objectives of Republic Act No. 9136, or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001.

House Resolution No. 883 reflects the intent to support communities in remote and underserved areas while encouraging a balanced approach to energy policy that considers both sustainability and affordability.—Miriam G Desacada