SEN. Erwin Tulfo on Sunday warned power generation companies and distribution utilities against imposing unjustified rate increases or delivering substandard service as the country braces for a potentially severe El Niño.
Tulfo, chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy, issued the warning after the Department of Energy (DOE) and electric distribution utilities cautioned consumers about possible electricity price spikes and rotating brownouts amid expected supply constraints.
“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 in a statement.
“I will not hesitate to exercise oversight functions if power generation companies or distribution utilities exploit the climate crisis to maximize profits,” he added.
Tulfo urged the DOE and the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to strengthen consumer protection measures against excessive electricity charges and potential power 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,” he said. “The Committee on Energy will hold accountable anyone attempting to abuse the market at the expense of ordinary Filipino consumers.”
Tulfo also called on the DOE and ERC to fast-track concrete measures to mitigate El Niño’s effects, maintain a stable electricity supply and prevent artificial shortages from being used to justify price increases.
He warned that monitoring the situation would not be enough, saying the government must act proactively to protect consumers from higher electricity bills and possible supply disruptions.
“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,” Tulfo said.
The senator issued the warning as the country prepares for potentially prolonged hot and dry conditions that could increase electricity consumption.
Drought conditions could also affect water availability for hydropower generation, adding to concerns over the adequacy of power supply.
Tulfo acknowledged the House of Representatives’ approval of the 2027 General Appropriations Bill, which includes funding for expanded sitio electrification, but said this would not be enough without coordinated action by government agencies to address potential supply problems.
Sitio electrification aims to extend electricity access to remote communities, but Tulfo stressed the need for broader measures to ensure reliable power and protect consumers from unreasonable charges.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration has warned that El Niño could intensify into a very strong episode between September and December 2026 and persist through the first half of 2027.El Niño is characterized by warmer-than-normal sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific and can alter rainfall patterns, bringing drier conditions to parts of the Philippines.
Its effects may include reduced water availability, agricultural losses and increased pressure on electricity supply as temperatures rise.
