Senator Win Gatchalian is proposing that the government take on the “other charges” listed in electric bills, which have long been a point of concern for Filipino consumers.
These added charges, mandated by government regulations, include fees such as the Universal Charge for missionary electrification, the Environmental Charge and the Feed-in Tariff Allowance.
Gatchalian argued that while these charges fund programs like rural electrification and renewable energy incentives, they are not directly tied to electricity consumption and instead place unnecessary financial strain on households. “Hindi yan, kumbaga hindi natin kinukonsumo yan so dapat gobyerno na gobyerno sumalo nyan,” he said. “Yan ang aking proposal.”
The senator emphasized that, for many consumers, these charges drive up electricity costs, particularly for lower-income households already grappling with the rising cost of living. By shifting the burden to the government, Gatchalian aims to ease the pressure on Filipino families struggling to manage their monthly expenses.
The proposal is part of Gatchalian’s continuing push to protect consumers, especially those hardest hit by the pandemic and the increasing cost of essential services. He called on the government to step in and provide relief rather than passing these costs on to electricity users.
Further discussions on the proposal are expected in the Senate, with Gatchalian stressing the government’s role in supporting consumers during challenging times.
