The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is drafting an advisory which would prohibit electric companies from cutting power lines until the end of the year, Chairperson Agnes Devanadera told senators on Tuesday, October 13.

In the ERC’s budget hearing at the Senate, Senator Risa Hontiveros asked Devanadera if the agency would be ordering power distributors to extend the reprieve given to consumers to ensure that their electric lines won’t be cut off during Christmas and New Year.

“Under Bayanihan 2, we are issuing, your honors, the advisory,” said Devanadera.

The recently signed Bayanihan to Recover as One law, also known as Bayanihan 2, orders utility companies to give another 30-day grace period, at the minimum, for bills payment. After the grace period, the law orders companies to allow consumers to settle bills on a staggered basis, without any penalties.

Hontiveros pressed whether the relaxation of disconnection policies would be until the end of 2020.

“That’s what is in our current draft. We are following the spirit, not just the letter, of the law,” said Devanadera in a mix of English and Filipino.

The Manila Electric Company (Meralco), the biggest power distributor in the Philippines, is currently allowing consumers to settle unpaid bills until October 31, before their lines would be cut off.

Asked for comment, Meralco head of corporate communications Joe Zaldarriaga told Rappler that they will wait for the advisory.

“We will await ERC guidelines or advisory regarding the Bayanihan Act and extension. And we will comply,” Zaldarriaga said.

While there would be a fresh extension, Devanadera said those who can pay up should do so.

“We are urging those who can pay to settle their bills. We are also urging government offices – who have the budget allocation – not to overlook paying their dues,” she said. – Rappler.com