MERALCO WARNS CONSUMERS FOR AN ELECTRICITY RATE HIKE

The electric company notified its consumers for incoming bill hike (Photo courtesy of Philippine Star)

For the month of June 2024, the Manila Electric Company or Meralco is set to implement a new electricity rate increase, this is due to the rising pass-through charges that lead to higher electricity rates. The spread of additional charges over three months was requested by Meralco to the Energy Regulated Commission (ERC).

Before issuing the June billing to the consumers, Meralco will also wait for the final billing from its electricity supply source the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM). The final rate for June, and for the rates of July and August will be announce by Meralco on June 13. 

Meanwhile, the ERC reminded the electric utilities and cooperatives that the consumer has the right to plead if there is a pressure to pay due to the sudden increase of the electricity bill. Up to three days after receiving the disconnection notice, Meralco or the cooperative disconnects the line.

"The consumer himself can request payment terms from his distribution utility," it said.

"Just don’t be perennial that becomes a habit, because we understand, if it's only once in a while, case to case basis, we are willing to help,” it added.

Also, the supply agreement between power distributor Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) and a subsidiary of publicly traded company San Miguel Corp. has received preliminary approval from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).

The ERC said the issuance of a provisional approval “will further protect Meralco’s consumers from exposure to volatile prices in the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) and displace volumes contracted by Meralco also from the Ilijan plant at higher prices.”

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer

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