Negros Power Explains Annual Bill Deposit Review And Automatic Customer Adjustments

Negros Electric and Power Corporation (Negros Power) has clarified the purpose of its annual Bill Deposit review, assuring consumers that the process is a regulatory requirement designed to ensure fairness and transparency in the computation of security deposits for electricity accounts.

According to the distribution utility, the annual assessment is mandated by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) under the Amended Magna Carta for Residential Electricity Consumers, specifically ERC Resolution No. 3, Series of 2026. The review helps ensure that every customer’s Bill Deposit accurately reflects their average electricity consumption over the previous 12 months.

What Is a Bill Deposit?

A Bill Deposit serves as a security deposit for an electricity service account. It is intended to be approximately equal to one month’s average electricity bill and is reviewed annually to determine whether adjustments are necessary.

The assessment is based on the customer’s average monthly electricity bill over the past year, allowing the deposit to remain aligned with actual electricity usage.

How the Annual Review Works

Under the ERC guidelines, adjustments are made only when a customer’s existing Bill Deposit falls outside the prescribed range.

• If the existing Bill Deposit is less than 90% of the customer’s average monthly electricity bill, the difference will be added to the customer’s bill during their service anniversary month, or the month when the electric service was originally connected.
• If the existing Bill Deposit is more than 110% of the customer’s average monthly electricity bill, the excess amount will automatically be credited back to the customer’s account during the same period.

Negros Power emphasized that these adjustments are computed automatically in accordance with ERC regulations.

Examples of Bill Deposit Adjustments

To help consumers better understand the process, Negros Power provided the following examples:

• A customer with an average monthly bill of ₱5,000 and an existing Bill Deposit of ₱2,000 will have an additional ₱3,000 reflected in the electric bill to align the deposit with actual consumption.
• Meanwhile, a customer with an average monthly bill of ₱4,000 but an existing Bill Deposit of ₱6,000 will automatically receive a ₱2,000 refund through a bill credit.

These adjustments ensure that customers neither pay more nor less than what is required under the ERC guidelines.

A Regulatory Requirement, Not a Utility Decision

Negros Power explained that the annual Bill Deposit review is not a policy initiated by the company but a legal obligation imposed on all distribution utilities.

The company noted that the regulations are intended to protect both consumers and utilities by ensuring that Bill Deposits remain fair, reasonable, and proportionate to actual electricity usage.

It also emphasized that the guidelines include consumer safeguards. Only the necessary adjustment is collected if the deposit falls below the required amount, while any excess deposit is automatically returned through a bill credit.

Automatic Processing and Installment Option

Negros Power clarified that customers do not need to submit an application or request for the annual Bill Deposit review. The evaluation and any corresponding adjustment or refund are processed automatically in accordance with ERC regulations.

The company also explained that the five-month installment payment option applies only to Bill Deposit adjustments resulting from the annual review. It does not cover Bill Deposits required for new service applications or for the reconnection of previously disconnected accounts.

Keeping Consumers Informed

Negros Power encourages customers to review the Bill Deposit Advisory included with their billing statements and to contact its Customer Care team or reach out through its official Facebook page if they have questions regarding the annual assessment.

By explaining the process and the regulations behind it, the company aims to promote greater transparency while ensuring that every customer’s Bill Deposit remains fair, accurate, and compliant with the standards set by the Energy Regulatory Commission.