WHEREAS, Section 2 of Republic Act No. 9136, otherwise known as the "Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001" or "EPIRA," declares the policy of the State to ensure and accelerate the total electrification of the country as well as to ensure the quality, reliability, security and affordability of the supply of electric power;

WHEREAS, Section 23 of the EPIRA states that the Distribution Utilities (DUs) shall provide universal service within their franchise area, over a reasonable time from the requirement thereof, including unviable areas, as part of their social obligation, in a manner that shall sustain the economic viability of the utility, subject of the approval of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), in the case of private or government-owned utilities;