EMBRACE ENERGY EFFICIENCY. Meralco supports the government’s call for energy efficiency considering heightened volatility in global energy markets due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Seen in the photo are Meralco linecrews conducting maintenance activities.
As soaring temperatures drive up electricity demand and global energy markets remain on edge, Manila Electric Company (Meralco) is calling on consumers to make energy efficiency a daily habit to help cushion the impact of the dry season and mounting geopolitical risks abroad.
The country’s largest power distributor said the appeal has become even more urgent as the Philippines enters a period when electricity use traditionally spikes, largely because of heavier reliance on cooling appliances. This year, however, the challenge is compounded by heightened volatility in global energy markets triggered by the continuing conflict in the Middle East, raising concerns over possible supply disruptions and higher generation costs.
Meralco said it has been taking proactive steps to manage the situation, including reviewing its fuel mix, strengthening coordination with power suppliers, and limiting exposure to the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market, where prices can swing sharply. The company said these measures are meant to help secure stable supply and mitigate upward pressure on electricity rates.
“We want to ensure adequate supply of power and manage price volatility as responsibly as possible,” Meralco Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan said.
Pangilinan also stressed that consumers have an important role to play as uncertainty continues to cloud the energy outlook.
“It would also help if we’re mindful of our electricity consumption as the war in the Middle East continues. We import much of the fuel used to generate power—we can all help to have enough power to get through the next few weeks if we conserve power,” he said.
Meralco said it is fully aligned with the government’s push for energy efficiency and conservation, describing responsible power use as a form of bayanihan at a time when both seasonal pressures and external shocks are weighing on the energy sector.
The utility underscored that despite the uncertainties, it remains focused on ensuring the uninterrupted delivery of reliable and reasonably priced electricity to millions of households and businesses.
Meralco Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Ronnie L. Aperocho said the company is maximizing the use of cost-efficient power sources across available technologies while staying prepared to tap lower-cost replacement power when needed.
“We remain fully committed to facing these uncertainties with care and foresight so Meralco can continue providing reliable power and supporting our customers through these challenging times,” Aperocho said.
Meralco data show that electricity demand typically rises by 20 percent to 33 percent during the dry season as households and establishments intensify the use of air-conditioning units and other cooling appliances. With hotter days expected in the coming weeks, the company said even small adjustments in consumption habits can lead to meaningful savings on electricity bills.
Meralco Vice President and Head of Corporate Communications Joe R. Zaldarriaga said energy efficiency gives consumers a practical way to protect their budgets while helping ease strain on the power system.
“We are entering a period when demand for electricity traditionally peaks, and external factors are adding pressure to energy costs,” Zaldarriaga said. “By practicing energy efficiency, consumers can have better control on their electricity bills and at the same time, contribute to mitigating the impact of external factors on electricity costs.”
Among the practical measures being encouraged by Meralco is the proper use of air-conditioning units, which are among the biggest power consumers during the summer months. The company advises customers to install units that match the size of the room, maintain thermostat settings at 25 degrees Celsius as recommended by the Department of Energy, and regularly clean filters and check for leaks. It added that inverter-type air conditioners can cut electricity consumption significantly compared with conventional models.
For refrigerators, Meralco recommends keeping them at around two-thirds full to maintain efficient cooling, avoiding the storage of hot food inside, and checking door seals regularly to prevent cold air from escaping.
The company is also urging households to make better use of natural light during the day, switch to LED bulbs, and turn off lights when not needed. For washing machines, Meralco advises running full or near-full loads and using the correct settings for different fabrics to avoid unnecessary power use.
To further help customers monitor and manage their consumption, Meralco pointed to the Appliance Calculator in the My Meralco App, which allows users to estimate the power consumption and cost of operating various household appliances.
“Through simple energy efficient practices, we can help ensure reliable service while promoting sustainability and resilience in the face of both seasonal and global challenges,” Zaldarriaga said.