The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has eased the deadline for the distribution utilities (DUs) and electric cooperatives (ECs) to renew their permit to operate and maintain meter calibration shops.
The ERC said the regular renewal ensures the accuracy of customer billings but that the various DUs and ECs must complete their applications for the renewal on or before September 30 this year to avoid financial penalties.
The various DUs and ECs have varying deadlines but their mandate dictates for the immediate suspension of the collection of metering charges from consumers on those who have not renewed their certificates of authority.
According to the regulator, updated certificates ensure the meters are accurate in measuring power consumption and meet the regulatory standard set by the government.
Monalisa Dimalanta, ERC chairperson, said the leniency program resulted from the caravan the agencu conducted last year where several DUs and ECs expressed difficulty in meeting renewal timelines given the conditions experience during the recent lockdowns.
“With this leniency program, the ERC aims to promote compliance by the affected DUs so they can be current in their permits without facing the financial penalty which, in the case of electric cooperatives, may end up being shouldered by their member-consumers,” Dimalanta said.
