Question & AnswerQ&A (ERC Resolution NO. 15, S. 2009)
The primary objectives include providing residential customers a choice for energy management strategies, establishing technical standards for prepaid metering systems, enhancing operational efficiency of Distribution Utilities (DUs), and promoting demand side management.
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has the authority to review and approve changes in terms and conditions of service, including rules for prepaid retail electric service, under Section 43(h) of Republic Act No. 9136.
They apply to Distribution Utilities (DUs) offering prepaid electric service to residential customers and the residential customers availing of such prepaid service.
A Prepaid Meter is an electric meter that can load purchased energy credits, display real-time consumption information, and warn customers before automatically disconnecting due to credit exhaustion.
No, DUs shall not collect deposits nor require customers to advance the cost of the prepaid meter and metering system.
Prepaid meters must have an average accuracy close to zero error before service, with a tolerance limit of ±0.5%, and an allowable operational tolerance of ±2%, not exceeding ±3% at any test load point.
Customers may try prepaid service on a six-month trial basis, after which they may either enter a 24-month prepaid contract or revert to postpaid service. Customers reverting to postpaid must pay a bill deposit based on average consumption.
Violations are subject to fines and penalties according to the ERC's Guidelines to Govern the Imposition of Administrative Sanctions pursuant to Section 46 of RA 9136.
DUs must file monthly reports to the ERC detailing total sales and revenues from prepaid service, the number of customers utilizing the lifeline rate, and rates applied with unbundled charges.
Yes, such customers may apply to avail of prepaid retail electric service through a scheme agreed upon with the DU for settling unpaid bills.