ERC clarifies dates of expository presentations on amendments to the IRR of R.A. 7832

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) issued a clarification on the correct dates of the expository presentations on the amendments to the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 7832 (R.A. 7832) otherwise known as the “Act Penalizing the Pilferage of Electricity and Theft of Electric Power Transmission Lines/Materials, Rationalizing System Losses by Phasing Out Pilferage Losses as a Component thereof and for Other Purposes” or simply the “Anti-electricity and Electric Transmission Lines/Materials Pilferage Act of 1994”.  While the correct dates were reflected in the ERC Notice dated 22 December 2009, the corresponding press release inadvertently announced expository presentation schedules that were different from those contained in the said Notice.

“The ERC apologizes for the confusion and whatever inconvenience the press announcement may have caused the stakeholders of the electric power industry,”   ERC Chairperson & CEO Zenaida G. Cruz-Ducut said.  We truly do hope that stakeholders will actively participate in the expository presentations scheduled on 07 January 2010 in Cebu City for DUs located in the Visayas and Mindanao and 14 January 2010 for DUs located in Luzon which will be followed by a public consultation on 04 February 2010 in Manila,” Chairperson Ducut added.

The IRR of R.A. 7832 was promulgated by the then ERB in July 1995.  Since then, a number of Supreme Court decisions have been released interpreting its different provisions, prompting the ERC to adopt several policies to clarify the IRR.  The RC deems it necessary to amend some provisions of the IRR in order to incorporate the policy changes.

The proposed amendments include, among others, new policies and principles to clarify concerns on:  (1) who can be charged of a violation under the said Act; (2) the procedures and allowed number of apprehensions; (3) the determination of the proper party liable to pay with the manner of computation and payment of differential bills; and (4) the disconnection procedures and imposition of surcharges.

 

December 29 , 2009

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