Palace tells power firms to curb theft amid Marcos' bid to lower billsMANILA, Philippines — Malacañang urged power utilities to strengthen programs against electricity theft and pilferage after industry groups warned that removing system loss charges from power bills could strain utilities without government support. 'Be efficient'Castro said utility companies should be efficient in reducing losses from theft and pilferage, even as the government studies how the proposed removal of system loss charges would affect the power sector. The proposal drew concern from Manila Electric Co. and the Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association, both calling for careful deliberation. EPIRA amendmentsSystem loss charges cover the cost of electricity lost before power reaches consumers, including technical losses in the grid and non-technical losses such as theft and pilferage. Marcos' proposal would require amendments to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act, or EPIRA, which restructured the power sector and expanded private participation in power generation.