Expect higher electric bills in May — Meralco

MANILA, Philippines — Electric bills may increase this month due to the rise in consumption of electricity during the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) when most Filipinos are required to stay at home, as well as due to the hot weather being experienced in most parts of the country, according to the Manila Electric Company (Meralco).

“Maaaring mas mataas ang bill mo ngayong buwan (Your bill may increase this month). These are the possible reasons,” the electric service provider said in a Facebook post on Monday.

“Maaaring mas mataas din ang konsumo natin ngayon dahil during ECQ, naging #NewNormal ang staying and working from home, at sinamahan pa ng summer. Kaya mas madalas ang pag gamit ng TV, computer, electric fan, aircon, at ref[rigerator],” Meralco added.

(There could be higher consumption of electricity since during ECQ, staying in and working from home became #NewNormal, plus the heat due to summer. Because of this, there will be more usage of the television, computer, electric fan, air-conditioner, and refrigerator.)

Meralco made this explanation on the same day that Power 4 People Coalition, a consumer rights group, urged the ERC to investigate whether or not Meralco has been taking advantage of the ECQ to impose sudden high electricity rates.

Meanwhile, Meralco also said that unpaid balances from bills due from March 1 to May 15 can be paid by consumers in four monthly installments. The first installment can be seen on bills dated May 16 onwards.

“Para sa mga areas na pwede nang basahan ng meter readers, reflected na ang actual consumption sa May bill (For those living in areas where electric meters can already be read, the actual consumption for the May bill is already reflected), plus adjustments on the March and April bills,” the electric service provider said.

“Remember, lahat ng April bills at ilang March bills ay (all April bills and some March bills are) estimated based on average consumption for the past 3 months dahil sa (because of) #ECQ and in accordance to Distribution Services and Open Access Rules or DSOAR issued by the ERC (Energy Regulatory Commission),” added Meralco.