Electric Bills to Go Up in April, Says Meralco
MERALCO – The electric power distribution company has announced a power rate hike starting this April.
Meralco, short for Manila Electric Company, is the largest private electricity distributor in the Philippines. It supplies power to over 7 million customers in Metro Manila and nearby provinces, including parts of Central Luzon and Calabarzon. Established in 1903, Meralco has been providing electricity to Filipino households and businesses for more than a century.
The company’s main role is to deliver electricity from power plants to homes, offices, and other establishments. Although it does not generate electricity itself, the electricity distributor purchases power from producers and distributes it through its network of electric poles, wires, and equipment. The monthly bill paid by consumers includes the cost of generating, transmitting, and delivering electricity to end users.
The electricity distributor also offers various services such as prepaid electricity, smart meters, and renewable energy options. Its rates may change depending on the cost of electricity from its suppliers.
As electricity is essential in daily life, Meralco plays a vital role in the country. It is regulated by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to ensure reliable service and fair pricing for its customers.
Meanwhile, Meralco has announced a power rate hike starting this April. According to its advisory on Friday, the household electricity rate will rise to ₱13.0127 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) from ₱12.2901 per kWh in March. This means an additional ₱145 in the monthly bill for households that consume around 200 kWh.
The power company explained that the rate increase is mainly due to a higher generation charge, which went up by ₱0.7278 per kWh. The electricity distributor advised consumers to be mindful of their electricity usage, especially during the hot season when consumption tends to increase.
Related Post: Meralco Holds Off Billing Delivery, Meter Reading