Manila Electric Co. increased its overall residential electricity rate for July, mainly due to higher generation costs. The adjustment adds P69 to the monthly bill of a typical 200 kWh household. Senators called for measures to protect consumers amid billing disputes.
Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) raised its overall residential rate by P0.3428 per kilowatt-hour to P14.8261 per kWh in July from P14.4833 per kWh in June. Vice President Joe Zaldarriaga said in a media briefing on Friday that the generation charge drove the increase, rising by P0.1800 per kWh to P9.2504 per kWh.
The company attributed the higher generation costs to elevated fuel prices. Wholesale Electricity Spot Market prices also rose after Luzon demand reached a record 14,534 megawatts on May 28. Over eight million customers will see the impact.
Sen. Risa Hontiveros called for a disconnection freeze for consumers disputing bills over alleged erroneous meter readings. She urged the Energy Regulatory Commission to ensure faster complaint resolution and said she would file a Senate resolution for an inquiry.
Sen. Bam Aquino filed Senate Resolution 508 on July 9 seeking an investigation into high electricity rates and possible reforms to energy laws.
