Manila:A PHP0.49 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) rate increase will affect Manila Electric Company (Meralco) consumers in the November billing period, primarily due to a higher generation charge.
According to Philippines News Agency, Meralco spokesperson Joe Zaldarriaga explained in an online briefing that the generation charge had risen to PHP0.4344/kWh. Additionally, the transmission charge from the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines increased to PHP0.0080/kWh, the distribution rate to PHP0.0096/kWh, and other charges by PHP0.2108/kWh. The increase in the generation charge was attributed to the depreciation of the Philippine peso against the United States dollar and the ongoing Middle East crisis, which elevated fuel prices and operational costs for the generation companies supplying power to Meralco.
Zaldarriaga also mentioned that taxes increased due to the tariff approved by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) for the First Regulatory Period. This approval raised distribution, supply, and metering charges. Despite the rate hike, Zaldarriaga assured residential customers that two ERC-ordered refunds, totaling PHP1/kWh, remain in effect. These include the actual weighted average tariff (AWAT) refund, which covers the period from July 2022 to December 2025.
Moreover, Zaldarriaga announced the implementation of another AWAT refund of PHP0.17/kWh starting this month, set to last for six months. He also reminded customers with unpaid bills from May to July to settle their dues this month, whereas balances from August to October should be paid by December.
In discussing electricity consumption patterns, Zaldarriaga noted that Christmas decorations use less electricity compared to cooling systems, which are more active during summer. He observed a seasonal consumption pattern that tapers off by July, remains steady, and even declines during the 'ber' months.