Inquirer file photo/Niño Jesus Orbeta
MANILA, Philippines — While the power rate reduction that will be implemented by the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) is a welcome development, a lawmaker said that senior citizens in the country need more relief in terms of electric costs.
In a statement on Monday, Senior Citizens party-list Rep. Rodolfo Ordanes said any savings are a big deal for senior citizens, as Meralco announced that power rates will drop by P0.3587 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for the October billing period.
This means the overall rate for October’s electric consumption would be down to just P11.4295 per kWh, from P11.7882 per kWh in September.
READ: Meralco: Power rates to drop P0.3587 per kWh this October
However, Ordanes hopes that other distribution utilities and electric cooperatives will also implement rate decreases.
“While we commend Meralco’s efforts and its effective sourcing strategy that resulted in this rate reduction, we urge other distribution utilities (DUs) and electric cooperatives (ECs) to do the same,” Ordanes said.
READ: Meralco power rates up for third straight month
“Many senior citizens face mounting medical expenses, and lower utility costs help them manage their household budgets better. A reduction in power rates means more resources can be allocated for essential needs such as medicines, healthcare, and daily sustenance, ensuring that their well-being is not compromised,” he added.
According to Ordanes, the party-list will continue advocating for measures that help improve the lives of senior citizens.
Financial breathing room
“At a time when prices of essential goods and services, including fuel, continue to rise, the reduction in electricity bills provides senior citizens with some financial breathing room,” he said.
“For senior citizens, every peso saved from reduced electricity bills goes a long way in sustaining their daily needs. It is our hope that other power distributors recognize the significant impact lower rates can have on improving the quality of life of our elderly population,” he added.
According to Meralco, the P0.3059 per kWh reduction in the generation charge was the reason for the power rate reduction, mainly due to lower costs from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market.
For a household that spends around 200 kWh, it will result in electric bills being lower by P72.
The decrease comes after three straight months—from July to September—of Meralco’s rates increasing.
“Additionally, we call on all DUs and ECs to ensure transparency in their billing and rate adjustments. Clear and detailed explanations are necessary for consumers, particularly seniors who may find it difficult to understand where their payments are allocated,” Ordanes said.
“Transparency in electricity billing is not just a matter of accountability; it is also a form of public service, especially for our senior citizens,” he added.