The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) issued an order relaxing the deadline for late meter permit renewal of distribution utilities (DUs) and electric cooperatives (ECs).
ERC said in a statement that Resolution No. 07, Series of 2023 issued last May will ensure the accuracy of customer billing meters, as it grants leniency to DUs that failed to meet the prescribed timelines for renewing their certificate of authority (CA) to operate and maintain a meter shop.
Under the issuance, the regulatory body allows DUs that have yet to renew their CA to complete their application for renewal on or before September 30 this year and avoid financial penalties for the late renewal.
ERC said participants have varying deadlines and it mandated all DUs without a CA to operate and maintain a meter shop to immediately suspend the collection of the metering charge from their consumers.
An updated CA ensures the DUs’ metering facilities are accurate in measuring the power consumption of customers and meet the regulatory standards of the government, ERC added.
Monalisa Dimalanta, ERC chairperson, said the leniency program resulted from the caravan the agency conducted last year wherein several DUs and ECs expressed difficulties in meeting the renewal timelines given the challenges faced during the lockdowns.
“With this leniency program, the ERC aims to promote compliance by the affected DUs so they can be current in their permits without facing the financial penalty which, in the case of electric cooperatives, may end up being shouldered by their member-consumers,” Dimalanta added. – Jed Macapagal
