ERC extends no-disconnection rule to year-end, but only for low-use households

MANILA, Oct. 13, 2026 — The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has told distribution utilities and electric cooperatives nationwide to hold off on cutting power to small residential consumers who fall behind on their November and December bills, narrowing a broader suspension that covered unpaid bills from May to October.

Under an advisory issued Tuesday, Oct. 13, the protection applies only to residential accounts consuming no more than 200 kilowatt-hours (kWh) a month. Households above that threshold and all non-residential customers are excluded and were urged to settle bills by their due dates to avoid disconnection.

The measure is an extension of consumer safeguards adopted after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared a State of National Energy Emergency in March, according to NewsWatch Plus.

Qualifying is conditional. Covered households must pay, on or before Nov. 26, all unpaid regular bills and any overdue installments for the May-to-July 2026 billing months. Those who miss the deadline lose the protection for the new period and may be disconnected after written notice. Arrears for August to October must be settled by Dec. 26.

Utilities were also ordered to offer staggered or deferred payment for November and December bills over at least three months from receipt of the bill, though the ERC encouraged consumers who can pay in full to do so.

ERC officer-in-charge Commissioner Rexie Baldo-Digal said the 200-kWh cap is enough to run basic household appliances such as a television, refrigerator, rice cooker and lights, ABS-CBN News reported. The regulator also told power generators, the grid operator and state firms PSALM and Transco to grant similar staggered payment terms to utilities.

Electric cooperatives have begun relaying the rules locally. In Zamboanga City, ZAMCELCO chief management officer Rommel Agan told The Philippine Star that consumers missing the Nov. 26 and Dec. 26 deadlines could face disconnection from Nov. 27 and Dec. 27, respectively.

What it means for consumers

Check your average monthly usage on recent bills. If it is 200 kWh or less and the account is residential, settle any May–July balance by Nov. 26 to stay protected for November and December, and clear August–October balances by Dec. 26. The suspension defers disconnection only; the bills themselves are not waived.