President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. calls on Congress to amend the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) to reduce electricity costs for households by removing system loss charges included in consumers’ bills. In his fifth State of the Nation Address, he argues that it is unfair for the public to shoulder costs linked to inefficiencies within the power sector.
Following the presidential call, House lawmakers say Congress should begin work on proposed EPIRA amendments immediately. One proposal cited is House Bill No. 10306 filed by Quezon City Rep. Patrick Michael Vargas, which aims to rationalize system loss charges. Other members also urge lawmakers to sustain momentum from the President’s SONA and advance the legislative changes.
At a Congressional hearing, legislators discuss the need for a balanced approach: they want any EPIRA amendments to cut consumer costs while preserving power reliability. They therefore consider reviewing how the system loss policy is handled, with the goal of lowering expenses without undermining the functioning of the power system.
