Implement the ERC decision, now!

Power rates in Mindanao are expected to sharply go down following the order of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to the Aboitiz-owned Therma Marine Inc. (TMI) to refund consumers for over-recovery in capital cost.

Finally, in the face of the continuing rotating brown-outs in Mindanao, the Energy Regulatory Commission has spoken. Its order to reduce the ancillary rate applied for by Therma Marine and NGCP means a reduction of P0.52518 per kilowatt-hour. This may not be enough to alleviate the conditions of the poorest of the poor in the Mindanao region, but the ERC deserves a pat on the back on this. This is not however the end of our advocay. We will continue to hold our vigil and light our candles, so to speak. We shall be vigilant and will not waver in our effort to radicalize electricity consumers in the region and make them believe that they can influence the stability and affordability of the electricity they consume.