The overall electricity rate for a typical household now stands at P13.3182 per kWh, up from P13.0851 in September.
For residential customers consuming 200 kWh, the increase translates to an additional P47 in their monthly bill.
Higher generation charge drives increase
Meralco said the generation charge rose by P0.1903 per kWh this month, following last month’s P0.2603 reduction.
Charges from Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and Power Supply Agreements (PSAs) increased by P0.3622 and P0.3567 per kWh, respectively. The utility cited the depreciation of the Philippine peso against the dollar, which affected 99 percent of IPP and 48 percent of PSA costs.
The adjustment also reflected the interim extension of Meralco’s power purchase agreement with the First Gas–Sta. Rita plant, approved by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).
The increase was partly offset by lower charges from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM), which dropped by P2.0688 per kWh amid a 1,000-megawatt decline in Luzon’s peak demand.
Meralco sourced 21 percent of its power from IPPs, 74 percent from PSAs, and 5 percent from WESM during the period.
Transmission, taxes, and other charges
Transmission, taxes, and other charges registered a combined increase of P0.0428 per kWh.
Meralco explained that generation and transmission costs are pass-through charges remitted to power suppliers and the grid operator, while taxes, universal charges, and the Feed-in Tariff Allowance (FIT-All) go to the government.
The company reiterated that its distribution charge remains unchanged since the P0.0360 per kWh reduction in August 2022, and that customers continue to benefit from a P0.2024 per kWh distribution-related true-up adjustment.
Safety measures and earthquake preparedness
Meanwhile, amid recent earthquakes, Meralco assured customers that it continues to implement measures to protect distribution facilities and ensure public safety.
These include replacing wooden poles with reinforced concrete or steel, relocating facilities away from high-risk areas such as railways and waterways, and conducting tree trimming and wire clearing operations.
The utility has also upgraded its lightning protection systems and installed smart devices to quickly detect and isolate faults.
Meralco added that it is prepared to de-energize power lines if necessary during emergencies to prevent accidents.
Customers are urged to practice electrical safety precautions, including unplugging unused appliances, checking cords for damage, and knowing the location of the main electrical switch for emergencies.
After an earthquake, Meralco advises turning off the main breaker—if safe to do so—to prevent fire or electrocution, unplugging devices, and reporting any downed power lines or damaged electrical facilities. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
