The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has ordered the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) and electric cooperatives to speed up the restoration of electricity in the areas devastated by typhoon Odette.
He also said that it should not be strict in charging electricity bills.
“Kasama doon sa idi-direct namin sa mga distribution utilities ang pag-relax sa kanilang collection policy ay siyempre ‘yung hindi muna pagpapatupad ng agarang disconnection sa mga kababayan nating naapektuhan ng bagyo na hindi makakabayad on time,” said ERC commissioner Rexie Baldo-Digal.
(Among those we will direct to distribution utilities is the relaxation of their collection policy. Of course, the delay in implementing immediate disconnection with our compatriots affected by the typhoon who will not be able to pay on time.)
On the issue of petroleum, Pilipinas Shell ensured that there was adequate supply, although there were still many stations in line.
In Cebu, for example, the queue is from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m., and only up to 20 liters can be purchased.
Electric bill charges to Odette victims should be eased: ERC
On the other hand, Petron has ensured that there is adequate supply not only for motorists but also for government agencies that are critical to the restoration of electricity and signals.
Meanwhile, the Globe has restored the signal in Siargao, Palawan, and Dinagat Islands but all those affected by the typhoon are still not 100 percent restored.
There is good news also from Smart-PLDT subscribers because they have restored the signal in Surigao del Norte and Misamis Oriental.
Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said the government prioritizes food and water distribution to the typhoon Odette victims. However, there is no timeline yet on when houses would be rebuilt.
“The Cash for Work program is a part of our emergency shelter assistance for rehabilitation, and we will discuss this. But the priority now is distributing food, and clean drinking water has given that assessment of the damages is still ongoing,” DSWD spokesperson Irene Dumlao said.