Amidst high inflation rates, energy consumers demand representation

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At a press conference, consumer welfare group Kuryente.org called for amending the Magna Carta for Residential Electricity Consumers to secure consumer representation to protect and promote their welfare amidst high inflation rates and the looming global recession.

“The existing Magna Carta of Residential Electricity Consumers is inadequate to protect consumers as we face increases in electricity prices. Residential consumers need better representation to the Energy Regulatory Commission and other government bodies concerned with electricity prices where our issues are discussed properly and ensure accountability, reliability and affordability,” said Roland Vibal, National Coordinator for Kuryente.org.

Electricity prices have been increasing while the income value of households continues to shrink due to inflation. The increase in electricity prices is expected to continue until the following year as the global coal and fuel market continues to increase.

Residential consumers shoulder more burden in electricity prices compared to the business sector. The residential consumer comprises the biggest share of 33.7% of the total electricity consumption compared to industry consumption of 25.1% and commercial at 20.4%. Despite this, there is no representation of residential consumers in all aspects of policy formulation and direction of the power industry.

The current Magna Carta only stipulates the obligations and rights of residential consumers but lacks provisions to ensure representations and voices of the sector in the electric power industry.

“Any attempts to reform existing policies of the electricity industry will be detrimental to the welfare and interest of the public unless the issue of institutional representation of the sector in all aspects of policy determination is in place,” Vibal said

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