DAVAO CITY – Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares said they will challenge the basis of the proposed power rate hike of Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) before the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).
Meralco said that another power rate hike this month is possible after 10 power plants simultaneously shut down.
Colmenares argued that power rate increase “should not be automatic if there is an increase in power demand”.
“If we let this happen then power rates will always increase, especially during the summer months and as the population increases,” he added.
“To protect our consumers, we reiterate our call for the repeal of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (Epira) and return the industry sector under full state regulation, at the very least,” said Colmenares.(davaotoday.com)
