Lower March power rates possible, says Meralco

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Customers of power distributor Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) may be able to save money on their electricity bill this month as initial estimates point to a decrease in overall power rates.

“While we have yet to receive all the billings from our suppliers, initial indications show [a] lower generation charge this March,” Joe Zaldarriaga, Meralco vice president and head of corporate communications, said in a statement on Wednesday.

He attributed the preliminary projections to a coal-fired power plant in Mauban town in Quezon province resuming operations after undergoing maintenance shutdown.

READ: Meralco rates up by 57¢ per kWh in Feb

READ: Meralco gets support as group tells lawmakers: Solve high power rates

Another factor was lower Wholesale Electricity Spot Market prices on the back of the improved supply situation in Luzon.

Zaldarriaga also said the refund on gas charges under the new gas sale and purchase agreements recently directed by the Energy Regulatory Commission might reduce power charges in March.

Meralco implemented an increase of P0.5738 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) in February, bringing the overall rates to P11.9168 per kWh.

This translated to an increase of about P114 in the overall bill of households consuming 200 kWh monthly.

—JORDEENE B. LAGARE