BOHOL Light Company, Inc. (BLCI) has assured all consumers that the recently distributed notices regarding bill deposit adjustments are not disconnection notices and should not be interpreted as demands for payment of overdue electricity bills.
According to the company, the notices are part of its annual bill deposit review mandated by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) under Resolution No. 3, Series of 2026, which amended the Magna Carta for Residential Electricity Consumers. BLCI also apologized for the confusion caused by a technical error in the distribution of the notices and assured the public that it has already improved its system to ensure the accurate dissemination of information.
The bill deposit serves as a security deposit for the company and is equivalent to the estimated average electricity consumption of one month. Atty. Beth Cabanugan, Assistant Vice President and Legal Officer of BLCI, explained that the annual review is conducted to ensure that the amount being held accurately reflects each customer’s current electricity usage.
Meanwhile, Engr. Paul Almedilla, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, said that the adjustment may result in a refund for customers whose electricity consumption has decreased, while those with higher consumption may need to increase their bill deposit. However, the additional amount does not have to be paid immediately. Customers may pay it in full, through five monthly interest-free installments, or arrange an alternative payment scheme with the company’s office.
Under the new ERC regulations:
Customers who consistently pay their bills on time for two consecutive years (reduced from the previous three-year requirement) will automatically receive a full refund of their bill deposit, including accrued interest.
Bill deposits will earn interest based on the savings deposit rate of the Land Bank of the Philippines.
A maximum bill deposit amount has been established for new service connections.
Consumers receiving a 100% lifeline discount are no longer required to pay a bill deposit.
BLCI encourages customers with questions or concerns to call 0920-960-2372 or (038) 515-2370 to 2375, send a message through its official Messenger account, or visit the nearest BLCI office for assistance.
