Question & AnswerQ&A (ERC)
It is a resolution issued by the Energy Regulatory Commission pursuant to Section 41 of Republic Act No. 9136, establishing the rights and obligations of residential electricity consumers.
It applies only to residential consumers of electricity.
A consumer is any person who is the registered customer of the electric utility being supplied with electricity or any person authorized by the registered customer to occupy the premises and enjoy electric service.
Consumers are entitled to quality, reliable, affordable, safe, and regular electricity supply; courteous and non-discriminatory service; transparent pricing; access to information; prompt resolution of complaints; choice of service retailer upon retail competition; and the right to organize as consumer organizations.
Consumers must observe the terms of their contract, pay bills promptly, allow accurate recording of consumption, permit utility access for necessary purposes, take care of metering equipment, report theft or damage, and support efficient use of electricity.
Consumers have the right to an accurate, ERC-certified and sealed electric watthour meter, properly installed in an accessible and safe location for reading and testing.
Electric service can be disconnected for non-payment of bills, illegal use of electricity, lawful government or court orders, public safety requirements, consumer request with justification, or unauthorized connections.
For disconnections due to non-payment, consumers must be given a written notice at least 48 hours prior to disconnection.
Differential billing is the amount charged to a consumer for unbilled electricity illegally consumed, computed using prescribed methodologies multiplying unbilled kWh, the period covered, and the current rate at apprehension time.
Consumers have the right to a refund of overbillings for up to six months prior to the date of discovery, meter replacement or recalibration, and a billing adjustment based on the ERC testing report.
Acts like meter tampering, use of shunting devices, altered seals, bypassing meters, and acceptance or offering of bribes to utility employees are prohibited and constitute illegal use of electricity.
Recovery period may be up to sixty (60) billing months, but can be shorter if changes to meter or seals are documented or if consumer provides proof of shorter illegal use period.
The utility must reconnect service within twenty-four (24) hours from payment of arrearages unless justifiable reasons extend this period.
Consumers must allow utility employees/representatives to enter the premises for installing, inspecting, testing, repairing, and removing electric apparatus, provided these representatives show proper identification.
Consumers are obliged to pay their electric bills within nine (9) days after receipt of the monthly bill.