Thousands of Visayan Electric customers in Metro Cebu and nearby areas will have additional time to settle unpaid electricity bills after the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) extended its temporary no-disconnection policy until October 2026.
Visayan Electric announced that it will suspend service disconnections for residential and non-residential customers with unpaid bills covering the August to October 2026 billing period, following the ERC’s consumer protection measures under Executive Order No. 110.
The company said the extension aims to provide relief to consumers amid concerns over energy costs following the declaration of a national energy emergency by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The no-disconnection measure applies to all customers served by Visayan Electric, including households, businesses, commercial establishments, and other non-residential consumers.
During the three-month period, customers will not lose electricity service solely due to unpaid bills from August, September, and October 2026.
However, Visayan Electric clarified that the policy does not include bill waivers or payment condonation.
Consumers will still be responsible for settling their outstanding balances after the temporary protection period.
Visayan Electric encouraged customers who are capable of paying their bills to continue settling their accounts on time to prevent larger accumulated balances.
“Customers who are able to pay are encouraged to continue settling their bills on time to help manage their household budget and avoid larger accumulated payments in the succeeding months,” the utility said.
The ERC’s directive was issued as part of measures under EO No. 110, which established the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) following the declaration of a national energy emergency.
The executive order cited global energy market disruptions linked to tensions in the Middle East, including concerns over oil supply stability and possible impacts on countries dependent on imported fuel.
Under EO No. 110, the Department of Energy was tasked to implement measures to protect energy security, including fuel supply management, conservation initiatives, and interventions to maintain electricity reliability.
The order also directed government agencies to provide support measures covering transportation, social welfare, food security, commodity price monitoring, and assistance for affected sectors.
The national energy emergency declaration will remain effective for one year from its issuance unless lifted or extended earlier by the President.
Photo courtesy of Visayan Electric
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