TACLOBAN CITY — A lawmaker from Northern Samar is pushing for a congressional review of certain power charges blamed for increasing electricity bills across the country.
Northern Samar 2nd District Rep. Edwin Ongchuan filed House Resolution No. 889, urging the House Committee on Energy to investigate line rental charges imposed under the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM).
The proposed inquiry aims to determine how these charges affect electric cooperatives and consumers, and whether they remain consistent with the consumer protection goals of Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001.
Line rental charges are fees for the use of transmission lines in delivering electricity. These are influenced by differences in power prices between locations and may result from transmission losses or congestion in the grid. The costs are typically passed on to consumers.
Several electric cooperatives, particularly in Eastern Visayas, have reported high line rental charges contributing to rising electricity bills. In some areas, these have reached up to P4.02 per kilowatt-hour, adding to the burden of households and small businesses.
The resolution also noted that the dry season and fluctuations in global oil prices could further increase power generation costs, worsening the situation for consumers, especially in rural communities.
“During these difficult times, we must ensure that every charge reflected in electricity bills is justified, transparent, and fair,” Ongchuan said, stressing the need to protect consumers.
Lawmakers are expected to review existing regulations, billing systems, and transmission plans to identify measures that could help reduce electricity costs nationwide.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
