President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has instructed the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to consider flexible payment options for electricity bills in 161 areas placed under a state of calamity.
The Chief Executive called on the ERC to consider a temporary suspension of electricity disconnection and bill collection from October to December 2024 in areas affected by the storm.
“The President directed the ERC to study the immediate implementation of a moratorium on electricity line disconnection and payment collection for the period of October to December 2024 in areas under a state of calamity due to Kristine,” the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said.
The ERC was also tasked with examining options for staggered or flexible payment terms for electricity bills in these regions to help ease the financial burden on residents and support their recovery.
The PCO added that this initiative aims to aid recovery efforts following the damage caused by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.
According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, electricity has returned to 228 of the 352 impacted cities and municipalities.
As of Monday, authorities estimated Php 1.5 billion in infrastructure damage and Php 2.5 billion in agricultural losses due to the storm.
