Meralco hikes October power rates

Higher generation costs add about P64 to a 200-kWh household bill.

After two months of electricity rate cuts, Meralco customers are facing a reversal in October, with a higher generation charge adding about ₱64 to the monthly bill of a household consuming 200 kWh.

The power distributor announced a ₱0.3191-per-kWh increase, bringing its overall rate to ₱15.0615 per kWh from ₱14.7424 in September.

Higher generation charges drove the increase, with costs rising amid elevated liquefied natural gas prices and a weaker peso. Electricity prices at the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market also climbed as supply conditions tightened in Luzon.

There is some relief ahead. The Energy Regulatory Commission has approved a ₱2.64-billion Meralco refund, equivalent to ₱0.1733 per kWh for residential customers. The refund will begin appearing in November bills and will be spread over six months, or until the full amount has been returned.

Meralco is also preparing for higher electricity demand during the expected El Niño, urging customers to conserve energy as temperatures rise.

With power costs vulnerable to fuel prices, currency movements, and supply conditions, households may need to brace for further pressure on their budgets even as refunds offer temporary relief.

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