'Electricity bills not an insurance policy': House leaders file bill to abolish systems loss charges
Philippine House leaders have filed a bill to abolish 'systems loss' charges on electricity bills, which currently pass costs like theft and negligence onto consumers. The measure aims to protect households from paying for utility operational failures.
Why it matters
This legislative move directly addresses the high cost of living and energy affordability for citizens in the Philippines.
Manila Bulletin - 'Electricity bills not an insurance policy': House leaders file bill to abolish systems loss charges
'Electricity bills not an insurance policy': House leaders file bill to abolish systems loss charges
The House leadership filed HB No. 10430, the Systems Loss Charge Abolition Act, to remove system loss as a separate item in electricity bills.
The measure bars utilities from passing controllable losses—like theft, defective meters, or negligence—onto consumers, while allowing recovery of prudent costs for efficient service.
The Energy Regulatory Commission will phase in reforms within three years, set efficiency standards, and issue implementing rules in consultation with stakeholders.
System loss charge on electricity bill (left), Majority Leader Ilocos Norte 1st district Rep. Sandro Marcos (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)
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