Metro Manila, Philippines – Key players in the energy sector expressed support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call to amend the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA), including the proposed removal of system loss charges from consumers’ electricity bills, following his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA).
Department of Energy
The Department of Energy (DOE) said it fully supports the President’s policy direction and is ready to translate his priorities into concrete programs and legislative reforms.
Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said the agency will continue pursuing reforms that make electricity more affordable, strengthen energy security, and accelerate the development of indigenous and clean energy resources.
“The President’s message is clear: every Filipino deserves electricity that is affordable, reliable, and secure,” Garin said. “Our task now is to turn that vision into reality through decisive reforms, stronger investments, and sustained collaboration across government and the private sector.”
The DOE also backed the proposed Sariling Kuryente Act, which seeks to make rooftop solar panels and battery storage systems more accessible to Filipino households.
Energy Regulatory Commission
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) likewise welcomed the President’s call to remove system loss charges, saying the proposal would help ease the burden of rising electricity costs on consumers.
The commission stated it is prepared to work with Congress, the DOE, and industry stakeholders to advance the legal and regulatory measures needed to implement the proposed reform.
Manila Electric Company
The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) said it will participate in discussions on proposed amendments to EPIRA following the President’s call.
However, the power distributor maintained that system loss is an inherent operational aspect of electricity distribution. Meralco noted that it has consistently kept its losses well below the 6.5% cap set by the ERC through continued investments in network modernization and operational efficiency.
“We believe it is important to recognize that system loss is not unique to any distribution utility, but is a common operational aspect of the delivery of electricity which affects the entire power industry,” said Meralco Executive Vice President Engr. Ronnie Aperocho.
Newswatch Plus has reached out to the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) for its statement and will update this report once received.
