ERC acts on billing complaints of building tenants

Chairman Manuel R. Sanchez of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) ordered an immediate investigation of the alleged abuses of some building owners in charging its tenants for electricity service.

The probe was prompted by recent complaints by some tenants to ERC that their landlords charge them amounts over and above the actual cost of electricity consumed.

Several building owners install electric submeters to the units occupied by its tenants to determine their electric bills every month. Dwellers of some buildings, however, complain that an incremental charge of varying amounts are added to their electric bills which make the cost of electricity service higher than that normally charged by the electric utility operating in the franchise area. The additional charge is different from the dues being paid by tenants for the use of common areas.

“This is a serious matter that ERC must look into. We cannot allow any person or entity to take advantage of consumers by making them pay more for their electricity service,” Sanchez said.

“Part of our mandate is to protect public interest as it is affected by the rates and services of electric utilities and other providers of electric power. Building owners are classified as electricity providers and are therefore under our jurisdiction” the ERC chief added.

Chairman Sanchez also ordered an inventory of buildings and establishments that install electric submeters in the units of its tenants. Tenants with submeters will also be advised to apply directly with the distribution utility operating in their locality to limit their payment to the actual cost of electricity service.

“Malls, condominiums and other buildings occupied by different tenants will relieve its management from the administrative task of electricity bill collection by allowing its tenants to install their own electric meters. Tenants on the other hand, will be in better control of their bills and will be spared from paying an added cost for their electricity service,” Sanchez pointed out.

The ERC head also ordered CAS and the Planning and Information Service (PIS) to intensify its information campaign to make consumers aware of their rights and obligations as electricity users.

The Commission advises all consumers to file their complaints directly with the CAS through its hotline numbers 687-5577 or 687-5544. They can also send their complaints through the TEXT ERC facility by typing “ERC ” and sending it to 2920. The texting service is initally available to Smart and Globe cell phone subscribers. Consumers may also visit the ERC website (www.erc.gov.ph) to file their complaints.

November 18, 2003