By CESAR JOLITO III
An increase in electricity rates is “inevitable” as global oil prices continue to surge due to the escalating conflict in the Middle East, the Alliance of Concerned Consumers in Electricity and Social Services (ACCESS) said.
In an advisory, ACCESS said the ongoing geopolitical tensions are driving up fuel costs, which in turn push electricity prices higher.
ACCESS President Wennie Sancho warned that consumers should prepare for the impact, noting that government efforts to cushion the effect remain limited due to the global nature of the crisis.
“The oil price surge means higher cost of electricity. Consumers should brace themselves for the impact. This is a global issue beyond our control,” Sancho said, adding that households and businesses alike will feel the strain as the cost of living and production rises.
Sancho emphasized that consumers are already being forced to adjust, with households tightening budgets and small businesses cutting back on electricity use.
“Consumers have no choice but to find ways to ease the burden,” he added, as electricity costs continue to climb amid global uncertainties.
Sancho stressed that practical solutions are urgently needed as the ripple effects of the conflict extend to everyday expenses.
To help mitigate the impact, ACCESS is supporting the rollout of a consumer energy conservation program aimed at reducing power consumption.
The group is encouraging the public to adopt energy-saving measures such as switching to LED lighting, unplugging idle appliances, and investing in energy-efficient cooling systems.
At the same time, ACCESS highlighted structural challenges in the country’s energy sector, particularly in integrating renewable energy into the grid.
The group noted that facilities operated by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines are facing limitations due to infrastructure originally designed for traditional power sources.
While the Philippines is targeting a renewable energy mix of 35 percent by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040, ACCESS said grid capacity and stability remain key concerns.
The current transmission system, it added, lacks sufficient capability and advanced controls to handle large volumes of variable renewable energy without risking disruptions.
Sancho said that although grid modernization and energy storage initiatives are underway, significant gaps persist that could slow down the transition to more affordable and sustainable energy sources.
In the meantime, ACCESS is urging private distribution utilities and electric cooperatives to reduce system losses and conduct town hall meetings to better inform consumers about energy use and cost-saving strategies./CJ, WDJ