Senate Committee on Energy Chairperson Senator Erwin Tulfo has warned power companies against taking advantage of extreme weather conditions such as the “Super El Niño,” by imposing unjustified rate hikes or delivering substandard service.
This comes after the Department of Energy (DOE) and various electric distribution cautioned the public about expected electricity price spikes and rolling blackouts.
“While rate adjustments are expected due to supply and demand dynamics, any price increase must remain fair and reasonable. It should not worsen the financial burden already felt by Filipino families on a daily basis,” Tulfo said.
“I will not hesitate to exercise oversight functions if power generation companies or distribution utilities exploit the climate crisis to maximize profits.”
“I will not hesitate to exercise oversight functions if power generation companies or distribution utilities exploit the climate crisis to maximize profits,” the legislator added.
The Senate Committee on Energy chairman likewise urged the DOE and Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to protect consumers not only from abusive pricing but also from the looming electricity rate hikes and outages.
“The public deserves transparency and fairness. As the country braces for this climate phenomenon, the energy sector must prioritize public welfare over excessive corporate gains. The Committee on Energy will hold accountable anyone attempting to abuse the market at the expense of ordinary Filipino consumers,” the lawmaker stressed.
“We cannot just sit back, monitor, and watch power rates skyrocket while our consumers suffer the heat and economic burden of a Super El Niño.”
“We cannot just sit back, monitor, and watch power rates skyrocket while our consumers suffer the heat and economic burden of a Super El Niño,” the senator added.
Further pressing on this point, he said that the DOE and the ERC must fast-track implementation of proactive, concrete mitigation plans and ironclad safeguards to ensure that supply remains stable and that no artificial shortages are engineered to justify price spikes.
While Tulfo acknowledges that the House of Representatives approved the 2027 General Appropriations Bill approved an allotment for the expansion of sitio electrification activities, he noted that such will not be sufficient without the executive agencies working hand in hand to mitigate the situation on the ground.
According to the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA), the phenomenon is expected to intensify into a Very Strong El Niño between the September–December 2026 season and persist through the first half of 2027.
