ERC holds the first Public Consultation on the Guidelines of the Magna Carta for Residential Electricity Consumers
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) conducted the first Public Consultation on 9 September 2004 to discuss the draft Guidelines to implement Articles 7, 8, 14, and 28 of the Magna Carta for Residential Electricity Consumers. Representatives from different distribution utilities all over the country attended the public consultation. One of their main concerns is the impact of implementing the Guidelines in their operations.
The Guidelines spell out the policies and procedures in the implementation of the said provisions. Article 8 exempts residential electricity consumers from paying meter deposits. They are instead required to pay a bill deposit equivalent to one (1) month consumption, which will earn interest and adjusted yearly based on actual average monthly consumption, pursuant to Article 7. Under the Magna Carta, new and existing customers are entitled to a refund of their bill deposits, provided that they pay their bills promptly for three (3) consecutive years.
“The ERC believes that the Magna Carta shall protect the interests of residential electricity consumers. Notwithstanding, the Commission assures all industry participants that the Guidelines will be fair and equitable and emphasizes that these public consultations is a critical part of the process,” ERC Chairman Rodolfo B. Albano, Jr.
The Magna Carta, promulgated by the ERC on June 17, 2004, is a compilation of consumer rights and obligations under existing laws and rules. It took effect on July 19, 2004 with the exception of the Articles mentioned above, which shall be implemented once the Commission approves the Guidelines.
September 10, 2004