Energy Regulatory Commission on Thursday ordered distribution utilities to stop any disconnection on account of non-payment of bills until Dec. 31, 2020.
It said in an advisory the order would cover consumers with monthly consumption not higher than twice the approved maximum lifeline consumption level.
This means that Manila Electric Co. customers with a monthly consumption of 200 kilowatt-hours who failed to settle their bill would not face disconnection until the end of the year.
The ERC said this was in line with the enactment of Republic Act No. 114941 or the “Bayanihan to Recover As One Act” (Bayanihan 2).
It said that for all customers, DUs and retail electricity suppliers should implement a minimum of 30-day grace period on all payments falling due within the period of enhanced community quarantine and modified enhanced community quarantine without incurring interests, penalties and other charges.