FEBRUARY 4, 2026 — Two big moves from the House of Representatives this week are bound to spark conversations about how we power our homes and how we protect the people who keep those lights on. Lawmakers approved on third and final reading two measures: one that lays down a national framework for energy storage systems, and another that mandates insurance and benefits for electrical line workers.

House Bill No. 6676, or the proposed Energy Storage Systems Act, passed with a vote of 192-3-0. The idea is simple but game-changing: build a system that can store electricity so we don’t have to panic every time the grid falters. Think of it as a giant battery for the nation. 

House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos explained it in everyday terms: “In terms of household application, these systems are like Energizer batteries which you use for your flashlight whenever there is a power outage. They are intended for emergencies.”

The bill envisions energy storage as the backbone of a more reliable power supply. It’s designed to prevent disruptions that cripple businesses, schools, and households, while also making renewable energy like solar and wind more practical. Imagine a Philippines where blackouts are rare, and renewable energy isn’t just a buzzword but a daily reality. Will this finally push us toward a cleaner, steadier energy future?

The second measure, House Bill No. 7239 or the Line Workers Insurance and Benefits Act, passed unanimously with 197 votes. This one hits closer to home. 

Electrical line workers — those who climb poles, repair busted lines, and restore power after typhoons — will now be entitled to life, accident, and disability insurance, plus retirement benefits, mortuary assistance, and medical reimbursements. For too long, these workers have risked their lives without guaranteed protection. Now, whether they’re employed by cooperatives, private utilities, or contractors, they’ll have a safety net.

Think about it: every time a storm knocks out electricity, it’s these workers who rush to the frontlines, often in dangerous conditions, to bring power back. Isn’t it about time we recognized their sacrifices with more than just applause?

These two bills may not grab headlines like political scandals, but they touch our everyday lives in ways we can’t ignore. Reliable electricity and worker protection — two things we often take for granted — are finally being addressed head-on. The Department of Energy will soon craft the rules to make these laws work.

Will these new laws finally light up a future where power is steady and the people who risk their lives to keep it flowing are truly valued?

(Image: Philippine News Agency)