DZIQ: Lower bills in May—Meralco

Consumers of Manila Electric Company (MERALCO) will pay lower bills in the month of May as the company decreased its generation charge by 3.13 centavos per kilowatt-hour (kWh), a Radyo Inquirer reported Friday.

MANILA, Philippines—Consumers of Manila Electric Company (MERALCO) will pay lower bills in the month of May as the company decreased its generation charge by 3.13 centavos per kilowatt-hour (kWh), a Radyo Inquirer reported Friday.

MERALCO Spokesman Joe Zaldarriaga said that the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) went down to 1.61 pesos which triggered the overall reduction. He also said that the National Power Corporation (NAPOCOR) and International Power Producers (IPP) have dropped its rate.

Meanwhile, Zaldarriaga warned of a possible decrease in the subsidy of lifeline users because the subsidies are scheduled to expire in June.

A lifeline subsidy rate is a pass-through cost billed to residential electricity consumers; and shouldered by the so-called subsidizing customers or those with higher kilowatt hour (kWh) consumption.

“We will have to wait on the order from the regulators regarding their plans in subsidy.” Zaldarriaga said.

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Ardigail Sarangelo, Contributor