The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has ordered distribution utilities (DUs) in areas under a State of Calamity due to Typhoon Tino to suspend electricity disconnections and implement staggered payment terms for all affected customers from November 4 to December 31, 2025.

Under the directive issued on November 7, DUs must halt line disconnections for both residential and non-residential accounts within the covered period. The commission also required utilities to offer flexible payment options, including a deferred billing scheme for consumers using up to 100 kWh monthly. These customers may settle their November and December bills in at least two equal installments once their statements are issued.

Upstream industry players—including generation companies, the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation, National Power Corporation, National Transmission Corporation, National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, independent power producers, independent power producer administrators, and the Market Operator—were also directed to adopt the same staggered payment scheme for remittances owed by DUs. This applies only to collections from affected consumers, with DUs required to segregate payments to determine the correct amounts due.

The ERC clarified that “nothing in this advisory shall preclude a consumer from paying his or her electric bills” during the period, urging those able to pay on time to do so. DUs may also offer additional alternative payment arrangements, subject to mutual agreement with consumers.

How do you see this payment relief affecting DU liquidity and sector cash flows during post-Tino recovery? 

Follow Power Philippines on Facebook and LinkedIn or join our Viber community for more updates.