LTFRB to investigate hike in charging fees for EVs

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board will investigate the increase in fees for charging electric vehicles.

At the Kapihan sa Manila Bay news forum on March 18, LTFRB chairperson Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II said that the EV sector is also lobbying for a fare increase amid higher electricity costs. 

According to Mendoza, the fees for charging EVs increased to around P34 per kilowatt-hour from the previous P17.

He added that the EV sector is not yet eligible for a price hike, as taxis, motorcycles, and utility vans requested a fare increase last week. 

Mendoza assured that the LTFRB will look into the plight of electric vehicle owners. "Gusto natin malaman ba't tumaas ng ganoon. Baka ibang rason naman ba't umakyat ng ganoon."

"Bibigyan natin ng pagkakataon to hear their side, as well as the commuters to hear their side," he added. 

Mendoza also clarified that fees in charging stations could be answered under the jurisdiction of either the Department of Energy or the Department of Trade and Industry. 

He added that the LTFRB will hold a hearing with operators in Metro Manila next week. Regional operators will also be consulted after the Holy Week.

On March 18, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the suspension of fare hikes on public utility vehicles a day before their scheduled implementation.