The Bacolod City Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) recently passed a resolution calling for the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to conduct hearings into a motion for reconsideration filed following the agency’s decision to allow the Korean Electric Power Corporation-Salcon Power Corporation (Kepco-SPC) and the Central Negros Electric Cooperative, Inc. (Ceneco) to collect P232 million from consumers.

The impact would hike rates by 8¢ per kilowatt-hour (kWh), however, earlier this month, Ceneco President Roy Cordova said the increase would be put on hold temporarily.

The resolution, penned by City Councilor Caesar Distrito, noted advocacy groups, along with Bacolod Lone District Rep. Greg Gasataya, have called for interventions into the matter, with the latter recently passing a resolution before the House of Representatives Committee on Energy.

Last week, Power Watch Negros (PWN) Secretary-General Wennie Sancho said his group planned to launch a signature campaign against Ceneco regarding the matter.

He also warned an additional P147 million in billing from the Filinvest Development Corporation (FDC) is coming down the pike.

Based on the legislation, the hearing would provide the public an opportunity to hear arguments regarding the issue, since the ERC decision made them responsible for paying the amount./PLL, WDJ