Following a ₱0.1852 per kWh reduction in September, the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) announced a modest upward adjustment of ₱0.2331 per kWh in the overall electricity rate for October.
This brings the overall rate for a typical household to ₱13.3182 per kWh, up from ₱13.0851 per kWh last month. For residential customers consuming 200 kWh, the adjustment translates to an estimated ₱47 increase in their total electricity bill.
Higher Generation Costs Drive October Adjustment
After a ₱0.2603 per kWh reduction last month, the generation charge increased by ₱0.1903 per kWh in October.
Charges from Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and Power Supply Agreements (PSAs) went up by ₱0.3622 and ₱0.3567 per kWh, respectively. The increase was mainly attributed to the depreciation of the Philippine Peso against the US Dollar, which affected 99% of IPP and 48% of PSA costs.
The current generation charge also reflects the impact of the interim extension of Meralco’s power supply agreement with the First Gas–Sta. Rita plant, as approved by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).
Tempering the overall adjustment were lower charges from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM), which dropped by ₱2.0688 per kWh due to a decrease of about 1,000 MW in Luzon’s peak demand.
For the period, IPPs, PSAs, and WESM supplied 21%, 74%, and 5% respectively, of Meralco’s total energy requirement.
Transmission and Other Charges
Transmission, taxes, and other charges also posted a combined increase of ₱0.0428 per kWh.
Meralco clarified that generation and transmission costs are pass-through charges paid to power suppliers and the grid operator, while taxes, universal charges, and the Feed-in Tariff Allowance are remitted to the government.
Meanwhile, Meralco’s distribution charge—the portion that goes directly to the company—has remained unchanged since the ₱0.0360 per kWh reduction in August 2022. Customers also continue to benefit from the ongoing distribution-related true-up adjustment, which provides a ₱0.2024 per kWh reduction for residential customers.
Meralco Highlights Electrical Safety and Earthquake Preparedness
With recent earthquakes affecting parts of the country, Meralco assured the public that it continues to enhance the resilience and safety of its distribution network.
The company has been replacing wooden poles with concrete or steel structures, relocating facilities away from high-risk areas, and performing regular tree trimming and line clearing to prevent outages. It has also strengthened lightning protection systems, installed smart devices to detect and isolate faults quickly, and stands ready to temporarily cut power when necessary to ensure public safety.
Meralco also reminded customers to practice electrical safety, such as unplugging appliances when not in use, checking cords for wear, and knowing the main switch location for quick shutdowns during emergencies.
After an earthquake, and only if it is safe to do so, customers should turn off the main switch or breaker to prevent fire or electrocution, unplug devices to avoid further damage, and steer clear of any damaged equipment or downed power lines. Electrical hazards should also be reported to Meralco.
Customers can report their concerns through the My Meralco app or through Meralco’s official social media accounts on Facebook and X formerly Twitter (@meralco). They may also text their concerns to 0920-9716211 or 0917-5516211 or contact the Meralco Hotline at 16211.