By CESAR JOLITO III
Consumers may soon face higher electricity bills as global oil prices continue to climb due to tensions in the Middle East, a consumer advocacy group said.
In a press statement, the Alliance of Concerned Consumers in Electricity and Social Services (ACCESS) cautioned that an increase in electricity rates has become “inevitable,” urging households and businesses to prepare for the financial impact.
ACCESS President Wennie Sancho said the surge in oil prices — driven by ongoing geopolitical conflict — directly affects power generation costs, which are eventually passed on to consumers.
“Consumers need solutions, not explanations,” Sancho said, emphasizing that families and small businesses are already feeling the strain.
He noted that households are tightening budgets, while some small enterprises are cutting back on electricity use and operational costs.
The group said government efforts to cushion the impact remain limited, with officials acknowledging that the situation is largely beyond local control due to its global nature.
To help mitigate the burden, ACCESS is supporting the rollout of a Consumer Energy Conservation Program aimed at reducing electricity consumption.
The initiative promotes practical measures such as switching to LED lighting, unplugging unused appliances, and using energy-efficient air-conditioning systems.
ACCESS warned that higher electricity rates could further drive up the cost of living and production, potentially affecting both consumers and businesses across sectors.
The group also highlighted long-term concerns in the country’s energy sector, particularly the need to diversify energy sources and accelerate investments in renewable energy.
While the Philippines is targeting a 35 percent renewable energy share by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040, infrastructure limitations remain a major hurdle.
According to ACCESS, the transmission network operated by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines faces challenges in integrating large volumes of renewable energy due to limited grid capacity and outdated system design.
The lack of advanced control systems and sufficient infrastructure could affect grid stability as more variable renewable sources come online.
Despite ongoing efforts to modernize the grid and develop energy storage solutions, gaps persist, raising concerns about the system’s readiness to handle the energy transition.
In the meantime, ACCESS urged power distribution utilities and electric cooperatives to reduce system losses and improve efficiency.
It also called on these entities to conduct town hall meetings to better inform and educate consumers about energy use and cost management.
“With limited options available, consumers must find ways to cope,” the group said, stressing the importance of collective action in addressing the looming energy challenge./CJ, WDJ