Makati city: The suspension of the Green Energy Auction Allowance (GEA-All) collection may extend beyond June 2026 if the existing funds are deemed sufficient to cover payments to renewable energy developers under the Green Energy Auction Program (GEAP), an official from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) announced.
According to Philippines News Agency, the ERC initially halted the GEA-All collection for the May and June 2026 billing periods to alleviate consumer burdens amid rising domestic inflation and global economic risks. ERC Director for Market Operations Service Sharon Monta±er indicated that the agency plans to review the fund's status before deciding on a potential extension. "It depends. By June, we will check the balance of the fund. If it's healthy, why not? Then, if it can cover the payments to the GEA-All plants, definitely, we will recommend the suspension," Monta±er stated during the Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines (EJAP) energy forum in Makati City.
GEA-All is a pass-through charge in consumers' monthly electricity bills, designed to compensate developers of renewable energy projects such as solar, wind, and hydro facilities. The current charge is PHP0.0371 per kilowatt-hour (kWh). The ERC decided to suspend the collection after assessing that the GEA-All Fund, which stood at approximately PHP466.49 million as of May 5, 2026, remains adequate to meet the payment needs of eligible renewable energy developers during the suspension period, even with the participation of additional facilities expected by June 2026.
Earlier, ERC Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer Francis Saturnino Juan emphasized the commission's commitment to supporting the country's shift to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources. He acknowledged the immediate challenges faced by Filipino households due to escalating prices and global uncertainties. "The commission will continue to ensure that policies promoting renewable energy remain fair, transparent, and sustainable. At the same time, we are committed to implementing practical interventions that can help cushion consumers from sudden increases in electricity-related costs," Juan commented.
