Replacement fuel to Malampaya needed to avert possible brownouts

Senator Win Gatchalian expressed concern over the nearing depletion of gas output from the Malampaya natural gas field which is the second biggest source of electric power in the island of Luzon.   Gatchalian said the absence of replacement fuel could threaten energy security and might lead to possible rotational brownouts. The Malampaya project has […]

Transparency in the oil industry needed to protect consumers

Senator Win Gatchalian raised the need for transparency in the downstream oil industry in the pricing mechanism for pump prices of fuel products.   The Chairman of the Senate Energy Committee made the call following a Supreme Court ruling barring a Manila trial court from directing the Bureau of Customs (BOC), Bureau of Internal Revenue […]

30-day moratorium of bills payment assured in ‘Bayanihan 2’

Consumers can heave a sigh of relief, insofar as payment for their most recent utility bills are concerned, as the recently signed ‘Bayanihan to Recover as One Act’ or ‘Bayanihan 2’ provides for a 30-day moratorium.   Senator Win Gatchalian said a provision in the measure assures a 30-day grace period for payment of utility […]

Other erring distribution utilities warned following penalty imposed on Meralco

While Senator Win Gatchalian commends the Energy Regulatory Commission’s (ERC) swift move against Meralco, he warns other distribution utilities (DUs) that have committed similar lapses in relation to the advisories issued by the commission aimed at alleviating the financial burden of electricity consumers.   The ERC on Thursday issued a Decision ordering Meralco to pay […]

Meralco, other DUs warned vs possible bill shocks under MECQ

Senator Win Gatchalian warned the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) and other Distribution Utilities (DUs) against possible unexplained bill shocks, a replication of what transpired during the Luzon wide-Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) period.   “We’re at it again. Metro Manila and nearby areas are now back to Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ). Meter readings may not […]

Sound policy for more sustainable transport system needed in a post COVID-19 world

As the country moves toward the promotion of sustainable transportation in a post-COVID-19 world, Senator Win Gatchalian sees the urgency to lay down a sound policy and regulatory framework for the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and the sustainability of the e-vehicle ecosystem.   The Senate Committee on Energy Chairman stressed that the government needs […]

To ERC: Penalize distribution utilities that will fail to comply with power advisory

Senator Win Gatchalian has implored the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to penalize distribution utilities (DUs) that fail to comply with its advisories and directives aimed at alleviating the financial difficulties of Filipino power consumers given strict quarantine measures.   Gatchalian, chair of the Senate Committee on Energy, grilled ERC chairperson Agnes Devanadera over the actions […]

DUs should expedite digitalization to protect consumer welfare

Senator Win Gatchalian has prodded distribution utilities to fast-track their digital transformation to deliver enhanced customer experience, particularly in payment systems.   Gatchalian, chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy, made the statement as he highlighted during the Energy and Sustainable Development Webinar, organized by the Ateneo School of Government, the importance of digitalization in […]

Meralco should explain unresolved bill shock; inquiry on power bill woes needed

Senator Win Gatchalian has chided the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) for failing to comply with its commitments to resolve the complaints of many power consumers over unexplained high electricity rates amid the government-imposed community quarantine.   Gatchalian, who is the chair of the Senate Committee on Energy, has called for an inquiry that will take […]