Marcos Jr directs ERC to suspend bill disconnections Oct-Dec for STS Kristine victims

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to implement a moratorium on electricity bill disconnections and flexible payment schemes from October to December 2024 for consumers affected by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.

The ERC ordered electric industry stakeholders, including Meralco and regional cooperatives, to suspend disconnections for residential customers with monthly consumption not exceeding 200 kilowatt-hours, allowing staggered payments until December 2024.

Jesse Hermogenes T. Andres, the ERC's officer-in-charge chairperson and CEO, appealed to distribution utilities (DUs) to observe a moratorium on disconnections during the holiday season to support affected consumers.

The total death toll from Severe Tropical Storms Kristine and Leon increased to 125 as of Tuesday, October 29, with many details still under verification by authorities.

Consumers are encouraged to contact their respective DUs for alternative payment options or special terms to settle outstanding bills. Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) has suspended disconnections in areas placed under a state of calamity and will offer flexible payment arrangements to affected customers.