Question & AnswerQ&A (ERC Resolution NO. 11, S. 2009)
The main objective is to provide guidance to Distribution Utilities (DUs) in the installation and relocation of electric meters to EMCs or other elevated services to ensure compliance with safety standards, protect consumer interests, and reduce system losses.
These rules are promulgated pursuant to Article 11 of the Magna Carta for Residential Electricity Consumers and Article 2.11.1 of the Distribution Services and Open Access Rules (DSOAR).
These Rules apply to all Distribution Utilities (DUs) whose metering installations exceed the height prescribed in the Magna Carta and the DSOAR, covering installation and relocation of residential electric meters to elevated metering centers or other elevated services.
An EMC is a structure attached to DU poles or other structures on which a cluster of electric meters is installed beyond the mounting height prescribed by the Magna Carta and the DSOAR.
Meters may be elevated under these circumstances: non-availability of right-of-way, areas with informal settlers causing illegal connections and meter tampering, areas with high incidence of theft or vandalism, habitual pilferers, or written consumer requests with sufficient consent from affected consumers.
The DU must submit a system loss report attributing such conditions. The ERC shall act on the application within 15 days; lack of action means approval.
The Distribution Utility (DU) shall bear the cost of relocation, including service drop wires and necessary protective accessories from the EMC frame down to the original metering point.
No more than thirty (30) electric meters per EMC frame and not more than ten (10) service drop wires per bundle shall be installed.
Consumers or their authorized representatives have the right to witness meter reading and testing. If representatives fail to appear, Barangay Chairman or authorized representatives can serve as default witnesses.
Violations may be subject to penalties imposed by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) after giving the Distribution Utility the opportunity to be heard, in accordance with law.