Electricity prices in the Philippines are among the highest in Asia, with recent data showing an average cost of ₱12.69 per kilowatt hour for residential consumers, ranking third in the region behind Singapore and Japan. The Electric Power Industry Reform Act (Epira), enacted in 2001, was intended to foster competition and lower prices but has instead led to increased costs for consumers. Critics argue that the law has allowed private companies to prioritize profits while passing costs onto households, including expenses related to subsidies and renewable energy initiatives. Recent bill shocks have prompted scrutiny of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) and Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), with consumers feeling the financial strain. The Department of Energy (DOE) claims progress in national electrification, but high costs undermine this achievement. Calls for a review of Epira have emerged, with advocates urging for reforms to address the root causes of high electricity prices, including the privatization of the power sector and the need for more equitable funding mechanisms.