Section 3Sec./Art. 3

Section 5 of Republic Act No. 11515 is amended to read as follows:

"Section 5. Responsibility to the Public. - The Grantee shall provide universal service and supply electricity to its captive market in urban and rural portions of its franchise area, including unviable areas, in at least cost manner and in accordance with Republic Act No. 11646, otherwise known as the "Microgrid Systems Act", and its implementing rules and regulations. In the interest of the public good and as far feasible and whenever required by the ERC, the Grantee shall modify, improve, or change its facilities, poles, lines, systems, and equipment for the purpose of providing efficient and reliable service and reduced electricity costs. The Grantee shall charge power rates in a least cost manner for its services to all types of consumers within its franchise areas.

The Grantee shall have the obligation to provide open and non-discriminatory access to its distribution system and services for any end user within its franchise area consistent with Republic Act No. 9136, otherwise known as the "Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001". The Grantee shall not engage in any activity that will constitute an abuse of market power such as activities that will hinder competitiveness of business and industries.

The exercise of the rights granted herein shall not result to stranded assets and stranded contract costs of existing and operating distribution utilities nor to unreasonable increases in costs to consumers."