Assistant Minority Leader and Gabriela Women’s Party Representative Sarah Elago criticized the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) for its failure to defend the public against excessive and unreasonably high electricity rates.

In recent weeks, complaints have flooded social media regarding overcharging on electricity bills despite unchanged consumption, as well as erroneous meter readings by Meralco. In response, the ERC advised consumers to track their monthly meter readings and pay disputed bills “under protest” to avoid service disconnection.

Elago said that instead of holding the country’s largest electricity distribution company accountable, the ERC is shifting the responsibility of ensuring accurate billing onto ordinary consumers. Furthermore, she noted that these complaints expose a deeper problem in the regulation of power utility companies.

“The ERC’s advice for consumers to monitor meters and pay first even if the billing is wrong is nonsense. What if the meter is at the top of a utility pole and cannot be easily read? Isn’t it Meralco’s job to ensure their meter reading and billing are accurate?” Elago said.

“It is also not that easy to pay a bill that is clearly excessive and unjust, especially at a time when families are struggling heavily with the high prices of goods. Instead of holding Meralco accountable for the erroneous charges, the ERC is advising consumers to bear the burden of the company’s reported failures first,” she added.

“What is the use of the ERC if it cannot hold Meralco accountable in the face of consecutive complaints? A regulatory agency should be an ally of the public, not a defender of giant corporations. The ERC must fulfill its mandate to protect the welfare of consumers,” Elago insisted.

In response, Elago plans to file a resolution to investigate the ERC, as well as the continuously rising electricity rates and improper meter readings the public complains about.

“We will file a resolution calling for an investigation, in aid of legislation, regarding the reported complaints of overbilling and Meralco’s billing policies, as well as the ERC’s handling of consumer grievances. Ordinary citizens should not be made to pay for every mistake made by large corporations,” the lawmaker said.