Law Summary
Compliance Requirements
- Utilities must comply strictly with terms in their Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN).
- Must adhere to ERB rules, laws of the Philippines, provincial, city or municipal ordinances, and franchise conditions.
Service Obligations
- Utilities shall provide safe, reliable, adequate, efficient, and continuous electric service.
- Information and assistance must be given to customers upon request.
Service Connection Procedures
- Utilities must extend service after customer compliance without charging for connection of service lines and meters.
- Service contract with terms and conditions approved by ERB governs the relationship.
- Prohibition against undue preference or unjust discrimination in service.
Use of Commercial Name and Equipment
- Board approval required before adopting a commercial or business name.
- Must install only CPCN authorized generation and distribution equipment.
- No substitution or withdrawal without prior ERB authority.
- Unlawful registration or operation of equipment not owned by the utility prohibited.
Electric Plant Construction and Maintenance
- All plant components must comply with Philippine Electric Code (PEC) or in absence, U.S. National Electrical Safety Code.
Equipment and Instrumentation Requirements
- Detailed minimum instrumentation required at generating stations and substations.
- Includes watthour meters, wattmeters, voltmeters, ammeters, frequency and power factor meters, relays, and controls.
Testing and Calibration
- Station and substation meters must be tested biennially by ERB.
- Utilities must maintain a calibrated watthour meter standard.
- Portable voltmeters and recording voltmeters required based on customer base.
Voltage and Frequency Standards
- Utilities must adopt a nominal voltage and maintain regulated voltage levels within specified tolerances.
- Standard frequency is 60 Hertz with allowable variation of ±1 Hertz.
- Exceptions apply for emergencies and certain technical causes.
Recordkeeping
- Log books required for generating stations and substations with detailed operational data.
- Poles and equipment must be suitably identified and maintained.
Rates and Billing
- Utilities must furnish rate schedules to new consumers and notify existing customers of rate changes.
- Bill deposits and meter deposits required from customers, refundable with interest upon service termination.
- Rates must be approved by the ERB and cannot be altered without prior authorization.
- Bills must detail meter readings, consumption units, applicable rates, and other relevant factors.
- Payment terms specify a minimum 10-day period and regulated disconnection procedures including notices and blackout days.
Service Infrastructure
- Utilities have rights to construct necessary infrastructure on customers’ property with just compensation.
- Definitions and standards for service drop, service entrance wiring, service switches, grounding, and underground service provided.
Metering Rules
- All metering equipment is utility property and must be installed in accessible locations.
- Meters must be ERB tested, sealed, and comply with accuracy requirements.
- Customer requests for meter testing are to be honored free of charge.
- Utilities must inform customers on meter reading methods and provide reading reports.
Operations and Safety
- Utilities are not liable for interruptions due to force majeure or causes beyond control.
- Liability excluded for customer negligence.
- Employees must have proper identification for premises entry.
- Advance notices required for service suspensions affecting customer equipment.
Service Disconnection and Reconnection
- Service shall not be refused or disconnected except under specified conditions.
- Procedures for disconnection and reconnection clearly detailed.
Investigations and Reporting
- ERB may inspect, investigate utility operations, and equipment anytime.
- Utilities must investigate complaints within 24 hours.
- Accident records and monthly reports must be maintained and submitted to ERB.
Accounting and Depreciation
- Utilities shall keep accurate books per prescribed accounting systems.
- Annual depreciation fund must be maintained as per Public Service Act.
Enforcement
- Violations subject to ERB penalties.
- This regulation supersedes previous orders and takes effect 15 days after publication.
This comprehensive regulatory framework governs all aspects from technical standards and installations to customer relations, billing, safety, and administrative supervision of electric utilities under the ERB in the Philippines.