Law Summary
Definition of Key Terms
- Bill Deposit: A security deposit equivalent to one month’s estimated billing.
- Billing Adjustment: Charges for unbilled electricity from meter stoppages or defects without tampering.
- Connection Point: The point where user equipment connects to the distribution system.
- Consumer/Customer/End-user: Registered customer or authorized occupant receiving electric service.
- Distribution Utility: Electric cooperatives, private firms, government units authorized to distribute electricity.
- Differential Billing: Charges for illegal consumption based on prescribed methodologies.
- ERC: Energy Regulatory Commission overseeing electric power regulation.
- Month: Time between two meter readings, between 28 and 31 days.
- Officer of the Law: Authorized persons maintaining public order relevant to enforcement.
- Registered Customer: Customer with a valid service contract.
- Residential Consumer: Customer classified as residential in the utility’s rate schedule.
Basic Consumer Rights
- Right to quality, reliable, affordable, safe, and regular electric power supply.
- Right to courteous, prompt, non-discriminatory service.
- Right to transparent, reasonable pricing consistent with law.
- Right to be informed and have access to information affecting electric service.
- Right to timely resolution of complaints by utilities and ERC.
- Right to choose electric service retailer under retail competition.
- Right to organize as consumer groups in their franchise area.
Basic Consumer Obligations
- Comply with service contract terms, including prompt payment.
- Allow accurate consumption recording.
- Permit utility access for legitimate purposes.
- Maintain and protect utility-installed metering equipment.
- Report theft, pilferage, or damages to meters.
- Support efficient and wise electricity use programs.
Right to Electric Service and Connection
- Consumers have the right to connection upon fulfilling utility and LGU requirements.
- Non-owner applicants must provide owner undertaking for payment liability.
- Utilities may allow third parties to serve areas they cannot.
- Labor cost for service drop connection is free.
Refund and Deposits
- Bill deposits refunded within one month after service termination if bills paid.
- Customers paying bills timely for three consecutive years may request early refund.
- Meter deposits exempted; cooperatives use reinvestment funds for meters.
- Customers responsible for replacing meters if damaged due to their fault.
Metering Rights and Accuracy
- Meters must be tested, certified, and sealed by ERC before installation.
- Meters must be accurate and within prescribed error margins.
- Consumers can demand production of meter test reports.
- Refunds for overbilling provided when meters found fast or inaccurate.
- Meters must be properly installed in accessible and safe locations.
- Consumer bears cost of meter relocation unless due to utility faults.
- Customers can request meter tests every two years free or more frequently for a fee.
Complaint Handling and Service Extension
- Utilities must promptly investigate complaints and report actions.
- Employees must display identification when interacting with customers.
- Consumers within 30 meters of existing lines entitled to free extension; others may initially fund extensions with right to refund.
Information and Billing
- Utilities must provide consumer bulletin boards and communication hotlines.
- Must announce scheduled power interruptions at least two days prior.
- Bills must conform to ERC-approved formats.
- Bills delivered monthly and payable at authorized points.
Disconnection and Due Process
- No disconnection without due process and notice 48 hours prior for non-payment.
- Immediate disconnection permitted in cases of illegal use upon proper notice.
- Disconnections prohibited beyond 3 PM, weekends, and holidays or under certain health and death-related circumstances.
- Customers can tender payment at point of disconnection once per unpaid bill.
- Utilities must reconnect service within 24 hours after payment of arrears.
Rights Related to Illegal Connections and Meter Apprehension
- Customers or representatives have right to witness apprehensions of illegal use.
- Meters apprehended must be tested by ERC before disconnection.
Payment and Protest Rights
- Customers may pay bills under protest to ensure continuous service while disputing charges.
- Right to file complaints with ERC after discussing with utility representatives.
Customer Obligations
- Must pay bill deposits, equivalent to one month’s billing, adjustable yearly.
- Bill deposits earn interest credited annually.
- Failure to pay deposits may lead to disconnection.
- Must allow utility access for inspection, installation, and removal of equipment.
- Must permit construction of poles, lines, and metering equipment on their property.
- Must accept monthly bills and pay them within nine days.
- Must pay billing adjustments for unregistered consumption within prescribed limits and payment schemes.
- Prohibited from illegal use of electricity with specific acts constituting prima facie evidence listed.
- Must pay differential billing for illegal consumption, with recovery periods defined.
Enforcement and Final Provisions
- Implementation guidelines to be promulgated by the ERC.
- Violations subject to penalties after due process.
- Separability clause to maintain effects of valid provisions if any part invalidated.
- Existing related regulations remain effective unless specifically repealed.
- Code takes effect 15 days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation.