MARELCO Clarifies May Electricity Disconnection Policy and ERC Moratorium

ERC Issues Three-Month Moratorium

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has officially ordered a nationwide suspension of electricity service disconnections. This relief measure spans the billing periods of May, June, and July 2026. The directive aims to protect consumers during the current national state of energy emergency. Residents consuming 200 kilowatt-hours (kWh) or less per month qualify for this protection.

MARELCO Address Unpaid April Balances

MARELCO management clarified that the moratorium specifically covers the new billing cycles. However, the cooperative noted that accounts with outstanding balances from April 2026 and prior are still subject to standard disconnection protocols. Area offices began issuing notices this week for those older arrears. This distinction is crucial for members planning their monthly budgets.

Flexible Payment Schemes Mandated

The national directive also requires electric cooperatives to offer staggered payment options. Qualified consumers can settle their covered May-July balances over a period of at least three months. While this safety net exists, officials still encourage those with financial capacity to pay on time. Timely payments help maintain the stability of Marinduque's power grid during the peak summer months.

Verification & Sources

This report was fact-checked against local and national directives:

• MARELCO May Disconnection Schedule: Verified through Marinduque News Online (published May 7, 2026).
• ERC Moratorium Guidelines: Cross-referenced with the official Energy Regulatory Commission 2026 Energy Emergency Relief directive.
• Clarification on Arrears: Based on the MARELCO Public Advisory shared via Marinduque News Today on May 9, 2026.