The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) has moved to address public confusion and dispel misleading claims circulating on social media regarding electricity bill charges, reaffirming its commitment to transparency and consumer education.
The power distributor emphasized that electricity bills contain a clear and detailed breakdown of charges, enabling customers to understand exactly where their monthly payments go.
Meralco executives (from left) Head of Utility Economics Lawrence Fernandez, Head of Corporate Communications Joe Zaldarriaga, and Head of Tariff Management Roderick Dennison Nacu explain the charges reflected in electricity bills during a media briefing.
“Meralco, like all electricity distributors nationwide, operates under strict regulatory oversight to ensure that all charges are lawful, transparent, and properly vetted. Every line item reflected in the electricity bill undergoes regulatory approval before implementation,” said Meralco Vice President and Head of Corporate Communications Joe R. Zaldarriaga.
Among the charges included in bills are public policy charges such as the Senior Citizen Subsidy, Lifeline Rate Subsidy, and Universal Charge, which fund support programs for vulnerable sectors and other government initiatives. Also included are the Feed-in Tariff Allowance and Green Energy Auction Allowance, which are collected from all electricity end-users to help accelerate the country’s transition to cleaner energy sources.
Meralco stressed that these charges are mandated under existing laws and regulations.
“These mandated charges are remitted to the government through the appropriate agencies. They are neither new charges nor exclusive to Meralco, as they are implemented by all distribution utilities and electric cooperatives across the country,” Zaldarriaga explained.
The company also clarified that, similar to generation charges, transmission charges, and taxes, these are pass-through costs from which Meralco does not earn revenue.
“We act solely as collection agents for these costs. They do not form part of our revenues in any way,” Zaldarriaga said. “All charges reflected in electricity bills are subject to rigorous review and regulatory clearance before implementation.”
Meralco added that its own distribution charge has remained unchanged since it was reduced in 2022.
As misinformation continues to spread online, the company said it will sustain efforts to provide clear, factual, and timely information to help customers better understand their monthly bills.
“We will not cease our efforts to empower consumers with the right information. Transparency and accountability remain our top priorities, and we assure our customers that they may reach us anytime through our various customer touchpoints,” Zaldarriaga said.
Customers may report concerns through the My Meralco app, Meralco’s official Facebook page, X account (@meralco), via text at 0920-9716211 or 0917-5516211, or through the Meralco Hotline at 16211. More information is also available at the company’s official website: www.meralco.com.ph