Senator Win Gatchalian said that any amendments to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) should center on reducing electricity prices to ease the increasing costs that are continuously plaguing consumers.
This came after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call for a review of EPIRA during his recent State of the Nation Address (SONA), which Gatchalian supports to address the sector’s high prices.
“We need to be able to provide not just a steady and sufficient supply but also affordable energy for our consumers. Any amendment in the EPIRA law should be geared towards reducing the price of electricity,” said Gatchalian.
Gatchalian added that there is a need for a sufficient and affordable energy supply, which could be resolved by EPIRA amendments to make electricity more affordable.
The senator also called for EPIRA amendments to permit the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) with stronger enforcement capabilities to hold industry players accountable.
The commission plays a crucial role in the industry, says Gatchalian, adding that the ERC should protect consumer interests with a charter promoting independence, transparency, and accountability.“Dapat maging malinaw ang accountability ng mga industry players at magkaroon ng penalty na mararamdaman talaga ng mga violators,” said Gatchalian.
