Politics · Philippines Bureau
Power system losses require shared responsibility across industry
Senator Erwin Tulfo has urged the energy sector to distribute the burden of system losses more equitably, arguing that power distributors should not shoulder the responsibility alone. The call came during a Senate Energy Committee hearing focused on how various industry players can collectively address the challenge.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — The Philippines' power industry needs a more balanced approach to managing system losses, with responsibility extending beyond distribution utilities to encompass all participants in the energy ecosystem, according to Senator Erwin Tulfo.
During an August 20 hearing of the Senate Committee on Energy, Tulfo raised concerns about the current allocation of losses, emphasizing that distribution companies, electric cooperatives, and industry associations must work together to solve the problem rather than leaving utilities to bear the full burden.
The senator directed his questions toward distribution utilities, cooperatives, and industry groups, seeking their perspectives on how system losses could be more effectively managed across the sector. System losses—which result from technical inefficiencies and non-technical factors such as theft—remain a significant challenge for the power industry and ultimately affect consumer rates.
Tulfo's position reflects growing legislative scrutiny over how the costs of power distribution inefficiencies are factored into the overall energy supply chain. Industry observers note that addressing system losses requires coordinated efforts spanning infrastructure improvements, better monitoring systems, and enforcement mechanisms throughout the distribution network.
The hearing represents part of broader Senate efforts to examine the performance and accountability of power utilities and cooperatives serving consumers nationwide.