Energy & Mining
Negros Power compliant with allowable system losses cap, ERC clarifies
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) on Monday (24 August 2026) clarified that Negros Electric and Power Corp. (NEPC) was operating well within its allowable system losses cap after being wrongly identified as noncompliant with the cap for private distribution utilities (DUs).
DOE: ₱7.5B needed to eliminate power theft losses; anti-pilferage drive goes digital via eGovPH
The Department of Energy (DOE) has estimated that at least ₱7.5 billion in investments will be required to fully eliminate non-technical systems loss across the country’s power network, even as it launched the Brigada Kontra Jumper program on Monday to curb electricity theft and related abuses through the eGovPH digital platform. Systems loss refers to the gap between energy produced and energy delivered, split into technical losses—an unavoidable physical effect of power transmission—and non-technical losses, driven primarily by illegal connections, meter tampering, and power pilferage. These losses are currently passed on to all consumers as a uniform charge collected by distributors and electric cooperatives, making the issue a direct financial concern for every household and business.
Fuel prices rise; two-week hikes hit up to P6.15/L
Fuel prices will go up across all categories for the second consecutive week, further raising costs for households, transport operators, and businesses nationwide, the Department of Energy (DOE) confirmed on Monday. Starting 6 a.m. on August 25, per-liter prices will increase by P1.08 for gasoline, P2.31 for diesel, and P0.95 for kerosene. Seaoil has already confirmed it will implement these adjustments, with a slight difference for kerosene at a P0.91 per liter hike instead of the projected P0.95.
Meralco upgrades North Port Substation to boost Manila power reliability
Meralco, led by Manuel V. Pangilinan, has upgraded its North Port Substation in Tondo to strengthen network safety and service reliability.
Middle East conflicts force another weekly spike in local fuel prices
Filipino motorists face yet another round of pump price increases this coming Tuesday, underscoring the ongoing volatility of domestic fuel costs driven by compounding international crises. According to Jetti Petroleum president Leo Bellas, gasoline prices are projected to rise between P1 and P1.50 per liter, while diesel prices could jump by P1.75 to P2.25 per liter. This upcoming price hike follows the previous week’s substantial surge of P2.49 per liter for gasoline, P3.84 for diesel, and P5.01 for kerosene, highlighting how rapidly fuel rates are creeping higher almost every single week.
