Enrile: Scrap proposed levies on power generator owners

Former Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile asked yesterday members of the Joint Congressional Power Commission (JCPC), which is tasked with harmonizing the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the controversial Energy Industry Rehabilitation Act, to scrap proposed levies to be imposed on owners of electric power generators.

Enrile said the proposed levies are unjust and impose undue burden on owners of electric power generators who have invested good money to ensure continuous and reliable electric power for their own use.

These power generator users include hospitals, schools, hotels, restaurants, tourist resorts, farming and fishing entrepreneurs and media entities like newspapers and TV and radio stations.

Enrile said the controversial IRR on electric generators states that "there shall be a universal charge to be determined, fixed and approved by the Energy Regulatory Commission, that will be imposed on all electricity end-users, including self-generation entities."

This universal levy is currently estimated at 40 to 50 centavos per kilowatt hour, he said.

In a position paper submitted to the JCPC and concerned users of power generators, Enrile suggested amendments to the IRR.