MANILA, Philippines – Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), the country's largest electricity distributor, has announced a significant rate increase of 53 centavos per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for April, affecting more than 8 million households and businesses across its service area.
This adjustment translates to an additional P106 on monthly bills for consumers using 200 kWh, adding financial pressure amid ongoing economic challenges. The hike is attributed primarily to rising generation charges and the peso's depreciation against the US dollar, which inflates costs for dollar-denominated energy supplies.
"Generation charges make up over half of the total electricity bill, and the weakening local currency further strains suppliers' expenses," noted industry analysts.
Meralco, backed by the group led by businessman Manuel V. Pangilinan, confirmed the increase, emphasizing that external market factors drove the decision. The move comes as many Filipinos grapple with inflation and higher living costs, sparking concerns over affordability in the energy sector.
Consumers are advised to monitor their usage and explore energy-saving measures to mitigate the impact of the higher rates. The company has not indicated whether further adjustments are expected in the coming months, but stakeholders will be watching closely for any developments in generation costs and currency trends.