Resolution 11 series of 2009ERC issues Rules to strengthen consumer protection via EMCs
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) approved on 25 May 2009 the Rules to Govern the Installation and Relocation of Residential Electric Meters by Distribution Utilities (DUs) to Elevated Metering Centers or Individual Residential Electric Meter to Other Elevated Service (or the EMC Rules).
An elevated metering center (EMC) is a structure where a cluster of residential meters is mounted and perched on an electricity pole beyond the height of three (3) meters (as provided in the Magna Carta and Distribution Services and Open Access Rules or the DSOAR). Elevating a meter cluster places these meters beyond the ordinary reach of people so that tampering and illegal tapping are prevented. The instances when the ERC may allow DUs to resort to EMCs are the following: (1) there is no right-of-way; (2) there are informal settlers; (3) there is a high incidence of illegal service connections, meter vandalism and meter tampering; (4) there are habitual pilferers; and (5) there is a request from the customer.
Under the EMC Rules, there must be prior approval from the ERC before there is an actual relocation of meters to EMCs, except in cases of consumer requests or where the sole reason for elevation is the absence of a right-of-way. The application for approval of the EMC filed by a DU must be supported by a system loss report proving the high incidence of illegal service connections, meter vandalism, and meter tampering or rampant electricity theft in the concerned area. The ERC shall act on such application within 15 days from receipt, otherwise it shall be deemed approved after the lapse of the said period. The DU must shoulder the cost of the service drop wires and all necessary protective accessories. It is also required to maintain the same. For EMC installations due to consumer requests, the cost of the wires shall be equitably shared by the DU and the requesting customer.
Meter readings must be conducted every month following the billing cycle of the DU, using hoist trucks or high resolution digital still or video cameras with zoom in capabilities. The concerned Barangay will be furnished copies of the pictures of the meters showing the meter reading for the current billing cut-off. Customers will have at least one month to scrutinize the same. DUs are required to conduct periodic inspection of the meters at the EMCs to ensure against illegal tappers. Existing customers whose meters are already located in the EMCs prior to the issuance of the EMC Rules are given three (3) months to file for refund of the cost of service drop wires and all necessary protective accessories, based on actual amount reflected on the Official Receipt.
“The EMC Rules were issued by the ERC to provide guidance to DUs in the installation and relocation of electric meters to EMCs or similar set-ups. The Rules seek to ensure the highest level of compliance with safety standards and adequate protection of consumer interests and consequently reduce the system loss of DUs,” ERC Chairperson Zenaida G. Cruz-Ducut stated.
June 05, 2009