This is a direct result of artificially low rates last month after the power regulator ordered the power distributor to delay collection of generation charges from customers.
In a statement, Meralco announced an upward adjustment of P2.1496 per kWh in the electricity rate this month, primarily due to a normalization in power costs following artificially low rates in June.
The country’s largest power retailer said this adjustment increases the overall rate for a typical household to P11.6012 per kWh from P9.4516 per kWh the previous month.
“We again appeal for the understanding of our customers over the delayed bills as we sought guidance from the ERC (Energy Regulatory Commission) on the implementation of this month’s rate adjustment,” Meralco vice president and head of corporate communications Joe Zaldarriaga said.
“Rest assured that Meralco will adjust the due dates to give our customers enough time to settle their bills,” he added.
According to Meralco, the generation charge increased by P2.0021 per kWh as the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market charges returned to normal.
This change follows the ERC’s directive to stagger the collection of May supply charges over four months until September 2024.
Additionally, charges from independent power producers and power supply agreements also saw increases of P0.4392 and P0.3530 per kWh, respectively, due to higher fuel costs and deferred cost recovery.
Transmission fees charged by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines charges decreased by P0.1550 per kWh, while taxes and other charges registered a net increase of P0.3025 per kWh.
Meralco's distribution charge has remained unchanged since August 2022.
