POWER sector watchdog Bantay Kuryente lauded the Supreme Court (SC) for issuing a temporary restraining order (TRO) preventing the Department of Energy (DOE) and Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) from implementing new policies regarding the retail competition and open access. The group said the petition benefits not only the petitioners, commercial and industrial establishments, but ultimately and more importantly, consumers in general. “If implemented, the policy will only result in higher electricity prices for consumers and businesses alike,” Pet Climaco, the group’s secretary general, said in an earlier statement. Faced with unrealistic and anti-consumer policies, business groups, academic institutions, consumers and civil society must continue to rally together and have their voices heard,” Climaco said. The group said it will remain vigilant and steadfast in its advocacy to protect consumers.

Source: Manila Times February 25, 2017 12:44 UTC