Consumer protection gets boost

THE Department of Energy (DoE) and the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) have signed the memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen the Consumer Welfare Desks (CWDs) of the distribution utilities (DUs).

This would be done by providing CWDs with opportunities for continuous improvement and by inculcating a consumer-centric culture to ensure prompt, cost-effective,

- vices, a statement said on Monday. its Consumer Welfare and Promo

Affairs Service, shall undertake data and information sharing to improve consumer services, consumer behavior survey, studies and other researches, modernization and improvements such as securing international organization for standardization certification for consumer complaints handling process and training. Also included is enhancing the capabilities of

The MoU also covers technological and best practices exchange in the area of consumer protection and policy recommendations/ formulation to ensure the proper implementation of projects and activities on consumer welfare promotion, protection and empowerment, monitoring and evaluation of the MoU as to its progress and the need to improve thereon, if any, and harmonization of plans and programs for CWDs.

The cooperation covenant signed by both agencies is part of the ERC’s efforts to empower electricity endusers and safeguard their interests.

“One way of empowering consumers, as we promote and protect their interests, is through the ERC recently promulgated amendments to the net-metering rules. Under the amended net-metering program, an ordinary consumer can become a ‘prosumer’ who can generate electricity for his own consumption, as well as sell any excess generation to the distribution grid. That, in itself, is ERC’s contribution to empower the consumers,” Devanadera said.