THE Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) on Tuesday backed the proposed amendment of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (Epira), saying it could help lower electricity costs while preserving the power sector’s long-term viability.
In a statement on Aug. 4, 2026, FPI chair Elizabeth Lee welcomed President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call in his fifth State of the Nation Address to amend Epira and remove system loss charges from consumers’ electricity bills.
Lee said competitive power rates are crucial to strengthening Philippine manufacturing, attracting investments, boosting exports, creating jobs, and improving the country’s competitiveness.
She, however, stressed that any reform should be supported by a comprehensive technical, regulatory, and economic assessment by the Department of Energy and the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to ensure transparency, equity, and sustainability.
Lee noted that existing rules already limit recoverable system losses, with distribution utilities and electric cooperatives absorbing losses beyond ERC-prescribed thresholds, encouraging operational efficiency.
She added that reforms should continue to promote investments that reduce technical losses while strengthening efforts against electricity theft and improving governance.
“FPI fully supports reducing power costs for consumers and businesses, with reforms to system loss charges backed by thorough technical and economic assessments,” Lee said.
She emphasized the need to balance consumer relief with the financial viability of the power sector to ensure long-term energy security, modern infrastructure, and sustainable industrial growth. / PNA
