Photo credit: ERC

Over 120 women in Dumanjug, Cebu, gained practical knowledge about electricity billing and consumer rights during a one-day seminar hosted by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) on October 15. The event was part of the ERC’s Continuing Regulatory Education for Stakeholders (CREST) program and integrated gender and development initiatives into public education efforts.

Ms. Sarah Z. Atienza of the ERC-Gender and Development Focal Point System Executive Committee highlighted women’s central role in household energy management. “We are all electricity consumers, but usually, it is the women in our households who handle the budgeting, including our electric bills. That’s why this forum is important—for us to be aware of our rights and how our electric bills are being computed,” she said.

Atty. Joel Y. Bontuyan, Chief Energy Regulation Officer of the Consumer Affairs Service–Visayas Area Operations Division, led discussions on electricity delivery, billing, and protections under the Magna Carta for Residential Electricity Consumers, including safeguards against unwarranted disconnections.

Attendees engaged with ERC officials through Q&A sessions, raising concerns on subsidies, billing queries, and government discounts. ERC also distributed information materials to reinforce key points from the seminar.

The Commission emphasized that initiatives like the Dumanjug seminar aim to equip women with accurate, accessible, and reliable energy information, fostering informed consumer decision-making.

How can gender-focused programs like ERC’s CREST seminars shape consumer awareness in the energy sector? Share your perspective on public education in power consumption.

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