‘RECOVERY EFFORTS’ Linemen of Lanao del Norte Electric Cooperative (Laneco) clear a road on Saturday after Severe Tropical Storm Kristine’s onslaught. —Photo from Laneco
MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos on Tuesday ordered the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to study possible flexible payment options for consumers’ electricity bills in 161 areas placed under a state of calamity.
The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said Marcos’ directive is “to aid in recovery efforts” following the damage from Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name Trami).
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The ERC was also told to study the possibility of staggered or flexible payment options for electricity bills in these areas “to ease the financial burden on affected communities and support their recovery.”
Article continues after this advertisement Power restoredThere are 161 cities and towns placed under a state of calamity following the damage from Kristine last week. They were mostly in the Bicol, Calabarzon and Eastern Visayas regions.
Article continues after this advertisementThe National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said electricity has been restored in 228 out of 352 affected cities and towns.
Article continues after this advertisementAs of Monday, authorities recorded around P1.5 billion in damage to infrastructure and P2.5 billion in damage to agriculture as a result of the weather disturbance.
Bicol was the hardest hit by Kristine as it experienced massive floods and landslides last week.
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