In a welcome development for Filipino households, Meralco has announced a second consecutive drop in electricity rates — a timely reprieve as families juggle rising costs across essential goods and services.
This June, Meralco customers will see a decrease of P0.1076 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) in their electricity bills, bringing the overall rate down to P12.1552 per kWh from P12.2628 in May. For a typical household consuming 200 kWh, that’s roughly P22 in savings — small but meaningful relief for daily budgets.
“This reduction is driven mainly by a lower generation charge,” said Meralco vice president and head of corporate communications Joe R. Zaldarriaga. “We’re glad our customers will continue to benefit from more affordable electricity this month.”
At a time when every peso counts, the reduced rates free up money for other essentials — groceries, school supplies, or savings for the rainy days ahead.
Why the rates went down
The core reason for this month’s dip? A lower generation charge, which dropped by P0.1099 per kWh to P7.3552. That’s thanks to:
- Cheaper fuel used by Power Supply Agreements (PSAs) and Independent Power Producers (IPPs)
- Higher dispatch rates — meaning power plants operated more efficiently
- Lower spot market prices from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM), due to improved supply conditions on the Luzon grid
Notably, WESM charges alone fell by P0.6342 per kWh, helping cushion households from rate spikes.
Balancing act: Generation down, transmission slightly up=
While transmission charges saw a slight uptick of P0.0214 per kWh (mainly due to ancillary services from the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines), the decrease in generation costs more than made up for it. Other charges, including taxes, also recorded a modest net reduction of P0.0191 per kWh.
Meralco’s distribution charge — the fee for delivering electricity to homes — has remained unchanged since its last reduction in August 2022.
More Ways to Save: Lifeline Rates & Senior Discounts
Meralco is also encouraging eligible consumers to tap into further savings:
- Lifeline Rate Program: Targeted at marginalized households, including beneficiaries of the 4Ps program. A valid certificate from the local Social Welfare Office is required.
- Senior Citizen Discount: Households with seniors (aged 60+) consuming 100 kWh or less can get a 5% discount on specific parts of their bill.
Applications can be made at any Meralco Business Center.
Safety first as rainy season begins
Along with lower bills, Meralco also issued a timely reminder to stay safe during the wet season. In case of flooding, customers should:
- Switch off the main circuit breaker immediately
- Keep hands dry when handling appliances
- Ensure all wiring and outlets are completely dry before use
- Consult a licensed electrician for water-damaged equipment
Need help?
For inquiries or emergencies, customers can reach Meralco through:
- My Meralco App
- Facebook: facebook.com/meralco
- X (formerly Twitter): @meralco
- Text: 0920-9716211 or 0917-5516211
- Hotline: 16211
Bottom line: With power rates down and more financial relief options available, now’s a good time for consumers to check their bills, apply for discounts, and put every peso to better use.