Zambales First District Rep. Jay Khonghun said he was dissatisfied with ZAMECO II’s explanation regarding mounting consumer complaints about allegedly excessive electricity charges.
Khonghun made the statement following a meeting with ZAMECO II General Manager Romwil De Jesus, during which the lawmaker raised concerns over the sharp increases reflected in the monthly electricity bills of several residents.
“We are not satisfied with the answer. Electricity rates must go down,” Khonghun said.
The lawmaker said the House of Representatives would issue subpoenas requiring officials of ZAMECO II and the Olongapo Electricity Distribution Company to attend a congressional hearing and explain the high electricity charges.
The hearing will also give the distribution utilities an opportunity to respond directly to the concerns of affected consumers.
Khonghun initiated discussions with ZAMECO II after his office received numerous complaints from residents across Zambales.
Some families reported that their monthly electricity bills, previously averaging about ₱1,500, suddenly increased to nearly ₱6,000, placing a heavier burden on their household expenses.
During the meeting, Khonghun presented the consumers’ complaints individually and demanded clear explanations and concrete measures to mitigate the impact of high electricity costs.
ZAMECO II currently serves an estimated 98,000 member-consumers, including residential, commercial, and industrial customers from Subic to Cabangan, Zambales.
Khonghun vowed to continue monitoring the issue and hold the concerned parties accountable until electricity charges for consumers in Zambales’ First District are proven to be fair, transparent and reasonable.