BUSINESS
Advocates Philippines
Consumer Group Raises Alarm Over Rising Power Rates
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A consumer advocacy group is raising concerns over the recent spike in electricity rates across several provinces, warning that the increases are adding to the financial strain already being felt by many Filipino households and businesses.
Laban Konsyumer expressed alarm over higher power rates reported in areas such as Iloilo, Negros, and other parts of the Visayas, saying consumers outside major urban centers should not be overlooked in discussions about electricity costs and energy policy.
According to the group, the latest rate hikes come at a time when many families are already grappling with the rising cost of food, transportation, and other basic necessities.
While distribution utilities have attributed the increases to higher generation and transmission charges, Laban Konsyumer said power providers should also explore ways to lessen the impact on consumers.
“Electricity is an essential service, and any increase in rates must always be accompanied by strong safeguards to protect consumers from undue burden,” Laban Konsyumer Convenor Jorge Bandola said.
The group also called on the Department of Energy (DOE) to take urgent action to address recurring yellow and red alerts in the Visayas grid, which it said point to deeper challenges in maintaining a stable and sufficient power supply.
According to Laban Konsyumer, repeated grid alerts highlight the need for both immediate solutions and long-term planning to prevent supply shortages that can lead to higher electricity prices.
The organization stressed that consumers in the provinces often bear the effects of power rate increases without receiving the same level of public attention as those in Metro Manila and other major cities.
It said discussions on energy issues and consumer protection should reflect the realities faced by communities across the country, not just those in highly visible urban areas.
Laban Konsyumer also urged policymakers and lawmakers to ensure that accountability and transparency measures in the power sector are applied fairly and consistently nationwide.
“Accountability must apply across all distribution utilities and electric cooperatives and all regions, including those outside Metro Manila,” said Bandola. “Consumer relief must reach all Filipinos, not just those in highly visible areas.”
The group maintained that protecting consumers from excessive electricity costs should remain a national priority, especially as many families continue to cope with economic pressures and rising living expenses.
Laban Konsyumer expressed alarm over higher power rates reported in areas such as Iloilo, Negros, and other parts of the Visayas, saying consumers outside major urban centers should not be overlooked in discussions about electricity costs and energy policy.
According to the group, the latest rate hikes come at a time when many families are already grappling with the rising cost of food, transportation, and other basic necessities.
While distribution utilities have attributed the increases to higher generation and transmission charges, Laban Konsyumer said power providers should also explore ways to lessen the impact on consumers.
“Electricity is an essential service, and any increase in rates must always be accompanied by strong safeguards to protect consumers from undue burden,” Laban Konsyumer Convenor Jorge Bandola said.
The group also called on the Department of Energy (DOE) to take urgent action to address recurring yellow and red alerts in the Visayas grid, which it said point to deeper challenges in maintaining a stable and sufficient power supply.
According to Laban Konsyumer, repeated grid alerts highlight the need for both immediate solutions and long-term planning to prevent supply shortages that can lead to higher electricity prices.
The organization stressed that consumers in the provinces often bear the effects of power rate increases without receiving the same level of public attention as those in Metro Manila and other major cities.
It said discussions on energy issues and consumer protection should reflect the realities faced by communities across the country, not just those in highly visible urban areas.
Laban Konsyumer also urged policymakers and lawmakers to ensure that accountability and transparency measures in the power sector are applied fairly and consistently nationwide.
“Accountability must apply across all distribution utilities and electric cooperatives and all regions, including those outside Metro Manila,” said Bandola. “Consumer relief must reach all Filipinos, not just those in highly visible areas.”
The group maintained that protecting consumers from excessive electricity costs should remain a national priority, especially as many families continue to cope with economic pressures and rising living expenses.
Jun 18, 2026
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