To : All Private and Public Corporations in the Power Sector / All Local Government Units / All Electricity Consumers

From : Secretary of Energy

As part of its continuing full assistance to the implementation of the ECQ which was further extended in certain areas until 15 May 2020 by virtue of Executive Order No. 112 dated 30 April 2020, the DOE hereby supplements its Advisory dated 16 April 2020.

In view thereof and in line with the policies and purposes of Republic Act No. 11469 known as "Bayanihan to Heal as One Act", all private and public corporations in the power sector providing services within the extended ECQ areas are directed to further extend the grace period of all power sector bills falling due within the original and extended ECQ dates, specifically for those who remain to be under the ECQ up to 15 May 2020.

For the guidance of all electric power industry participants, all bills being paid during the extended grace period shall bear no interest, penalties, fees and charges and shall apply to the following:

1. All electricity consumers in the country, provided that all unpaid bills falling due from the original and extended ECQ shall be equally amortized in the four (4) months following the end of the ECQ, and in such manner as may be allowed by the Energy Regulatory Commission;
2. All public and private corporations in the power sector with obligations as follows:
   • Payments due to the National Power Corporation, the National Transmission Corporation, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, and the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities  Management Corporation (PSALM) including power bills and rate adjustments (i.e. ACRM, deferred GRAM and ICERA);
   • Payments due to fuel/resource suppliers of generating facilities including coal, oil, steam supply and natural gas;
   • Payments due to Independent Power Producers;
   • Payments for Universal Charges (UC) as administered by PSALM, provided that the deadline of PSALM to disburse the UC to beneficiaries shall likewise be given grace period by the same number of days given herein; and
   • Payment to Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines of total trading amounts and other charges. 
3. Payment of the Feed-in Tariff Allowance shall be in accordance with ERC directives.
4. Retail Electricity Suppliers are encouraged to render to their Contestable Customers similar scheme stated herein. particularly whose nature of business do not fall under essential goods and services category and adversely affected by the implementation of the ECQ.

Notwithstanding, we reiterate our calls to entities stated above for the immediate and proportionate remittance of payments received ahead and within the due dates to their respective creditors and suppliers.

Similarly, we seek the continuous assistance of all local government units in allowing a similar grace period and other related mechanisms in the collections of applicable taxes, fees and dues from energy facilities in their respective jurisdictions, particularly those that fall due within the ECQ period.

Lastly, the cooperation of all electricity consumers in paying their bills within the original due dates, particularly those who are capable to pay, is earnestly requested as it will definitely make a difference in keeping the lights on amidst our battle with COVID-19 pandemic.

Thank you.