Senator Win Gatchalian on Wednesday called on the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to mitigate any sharp increase in electricity rates, warning of added strain on consumers already grappling with high fuel prices.

During a discussion with ERC Chairman Saturnino Juan, Gatchalian flagged the country’s dependence on coal and exposure to volatile natural gas costs, which could push power rates up by around ₱2 to ₱4 per kilowatt-hour.

“Bad timing kung isasabay ang pagtaas ng kuryente sa mataas na presyo ng langis,” Gatchalian said, urging the commission to stagger any adjustments. He warned that a one-time, significant hike would deliver a “double whammy” to consumers and stressed that the power sector remains regulated, giving the ERC authority to manage rate increases.

The ERC, for its part, said it is studying measures to better monitor and control adjustments, including requiring distribution utilities to submit monthly calculations for review before implementing any changes. This, it said, would allow the commission to assess the impact and manage rate movements on a per-utility basis.