MANILA – Senate President Win Gatchalian has urged the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to speed up the process of switching electricity suppliers, saying a shorter turnaround time would allow more consumers to benefit from the expanded retail electricity market.

The appeal came after the ERC lowered the contestability threshold from 500 kilowatts to 100 kilowatts, making more small businesses, schools, and households eligible to choose a Retail Electricity Supplier (RES) instead of obtaining electricity solely from their Distribution Utility (DU).

“Opening the market is a big step, but we need to make switching faster and easier. Right now, it can take weeks. Kapag pinabilis ang proseso, mas maraming konsyumer ang magkakaroon ng pagkakataong pumili ng ibang supplier ng kuryente bukod sa kanilang distribution utility, gaya ng Meralco. Kaya mas madali nilang maa-access ang presyong mas competitive at mas malinis na mapagkukunan ng enerhiya,” Gatchalian said.

He said expediting the switching process is timely as the country continues its transition toward renewable energy.

“This reform comes at a critical time as we accelerate our transition to renewable energy. Making switching seamless will help drive demand for cleaner and more affordable power,” he added.

Gatchalian also expressed hope that the changes would allow more consumers to access lower electricity rates and cleaner energy sources.

“Inaasahan nating mas marami ang makikinabang sa mas murang kuryente at mas malinis na enerhiya,” he said.