Pulse survey shows major discontent with high electricity rates

Meralco meters. (INQUIRER FILE PHOTO)

Majority of Filipino consumers are disappointed with the prevailing high electricity rates, according to a recent nationwide Pulse Asia survey.

According to the survey conducted in June, 60 percent of the respondents recorded their displeasure over the price of electricity.

The highest dissatisfaction rate was recorded in Metro Manila, with 84 percent expressing discontent.

Dr. Ana Tabunda of Pulse Asia, who presented the results in a press briefing on Monday, said that while the overall sentiment across the country was dissatisfaction, a large majority of those who were displeased were recorded in urban areas.

The survey was conducted from June 15 to 21, a period when electricity rates had dipped. It surveyed around 1,800 respondents, with a nationwide error margin of ±2.3.

Meanwhile, a large majority of the respondents, recorded at 82 percent, were in favor of having a new option for their electric service provider or electric utility.

Around 89 percent of those surveyed also expressed their preference for increasing the use of renewable energy in the country.

The majority sentiment was echoed across all geographical areas with 88 percent in Metro Manila were approving of a new alternative for the electric service provider, followed by 84 percent in the Visayas, 83 percent in Mindanao and 78 percent in Balance Luzon.

The Power for People Coalition, a multisectoral group lobbying for clean, safe and affordable energy, said the results showed a clear validation of the campaign of many civil society groups for a shift in energy usage.

“This should bring a clear message to the policymakers and decision makers on what to do with energy use and electricity in the country,” said Gerry Arances, executive director of the Center for Energy, Ecology and Development.

Electricity rates in Metro Manila are now at P12 per kilowatt-hour and are distributed by the Manila Electric Company, the country’s largest distributor of electric power. Higher prices are recorded in Iloilo City, which can reach up to P20 per kWh. – With a report from Inquirer Research