Press Release
April 3, 2013

Cayetano slams possible increase in power rates in Mindanao
Wants review of EPIRA

Senator Alan Cayetano slammed the possible increase in power rates in Mindanao and called for a review of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA).

Cayetano warned against the negative effect of increased power rates on the livelihood of Filipino families living in the region. "Consumers shouldn't be made to carry this burden. Higher electric prices would mean higher prices of all basic services and commodities. The bottom line is this means less income for the families in the area. Their ability to support themselves will be reduced even further," he said.

Cayetano called on the government to explore all options to reduce power rates. "The government should take more active steps to increase its role in the power sector such as buying back the transmission lines and previously-owned power plants. We also have to establish a stronger regulatory body that will hear matters involving power rates," he added.

According to reports, power rates in Mindanao may be increased by P1.80 resulting in charge of P4 per kilowatt-hour should the electric cooperatives in the region decide to adopt the government's recommendation that they acquire their own diesel-fired generators as a means to address the power crisis temporarily.

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