Several municipalities in the province of Romblon have taken a stand against the proposed power rate hike, expressing their opposition through official resolutions.
This comes after the National Power Corporation (NPC) filed a petition before the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) seeking approval of the proposed new Subsidized Approved Generation Rate (SAGR) for Small Power Utilities Group (SPUG) areas.
According to the Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association, the towns of Odiongan, Calatrava, and San Andres have recently passed resolutions opposing ERC Case No. 2023-133 RC, titled “Petition for the Approval of the Proposed New Subsidized Approved Generation Rates (SAGR) for NPC-SPUG Areas with Prayer for Provisional Authority or Interim Relief.”
In addition, the Sangguniang Barangays of Sablayan, Logbon, and Cobrador in the municipality of Romblon, along with the Sangguniang Barangay of Mabulo in San Fernando, have also voiced their objections to the NPC’s petition.
Their resolutions highlight concerns that the proposed SAGR would further burden their constituents, particularly ordinary residential consumers. They argue that the hike would adversely affect small-scale businesses, including grocery stores, restaurants, farmers, and fisherfolks, impacting the overall economic viability of the communities.
