BUSINESS
Advocates Philippines
A Bit Of Relief: Meralco Lowers Electricity Rates This September
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Filipino consumers can look forward to a little more wiggle room in their budgets this month. Meralco has announced a reduction in electricity rates, driven by a drop in the cost of generating power.
The new rate is P13.0851 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), which is a decrease of P0.1852 per kWh from last month’s rate. For a typical household consuming 200 kWh, this means saving about P37 on their bill. Those with higher consumption will see even bigger savings: a P56 reduction for 300 kWh, P74 for 400 kWh, and P93 for 500 kWh. "We hope that along with relatively lower consumption during this period, this rate cut will bring relief to our customers," said Meralco Vice President and Head of Corporate Communications Joe R. Zaldarriaga.
Why the Rates Are Going Down
The main reason for the decrease is a drop in the generation charge, which is the cost Meralco pays to power suppliers. This charge went down by P0.2603 per kWh, thanks to lower costs from Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and Power Supply Agreements (PSAs). This was largely due to two factors: the Philippine Peso gaining strength against the U.S. Dollar, which lowered costs for a significant portion of Meralco's power supply that is priced in dollars, and a decrease in international fuel prices. While some other charges, like those from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) and a new price adjustment for a couple of power plants, did go up, the savings from the IPPs and PSAs were enough to bring the overall rate down.
Stay Safe and Smart with Your Power
As the rainy season continues, Zaldarriaga also shared some important safety reminders. He advises customers to switch off their main circuit breaker in case of flooding and to always ensure hands are dry before touching any appliances. He also encourages customers to practice energy efficiency to keep their bills low. Simple tips like regularly cleaning air conditioner filters, using LED bulbs, and not overfilling the refrigerator can make a big difference. For more information and to track your usage, you can use the Meralco Appliance Calculator or reach out through the My Meralco app and other official channels.
The new rate is P13.0851 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), which is a decrease of P0.1852 per kWh from last month’s rate. For a typical household consuming 200 kWh, this means saving about P37 on their bill. Those with higher consumption will see even bigger savings: a P56 reduction for 300 kWh, P74 for 400 kWh, and P93 for 500 kWh. "We hope that along with relatively lower consumption during this period, this rate cut will bring relief to our customers," said Meralco Vice President and Head of Corporate Communications Joe R. Zaldarriaga.
Why the Rates Are Going Down
The main reason for the decrease is a drop in the generation charge, which is the cost Meralco pays to power suppliers. This charge went down by P0.2603 per kWh, thanks to lower costs from Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and Power Supply Agreements (PSAs). This was largely due to two factors: the Philippine Peso gaining strength against the U.S. Dollar, which lowered costs for a significant portion of Meralco's power supply that is priced in dollars, and a decrease in international fuel prices. While some other charges, like those from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) and a new price adjustment for a couple of power plants, did go up, the savings from the IPPs and PSAs were enough to bring the overall rate down.
Stay Safe and Smart with Your Power
As the rainy season continues, Zaldarriaga also shared some important safety reminders. He advises customers to switch off their main circuit breaker in case of flooding and to always ensure hands are dry before touching any appliances. He also encourages customers to practice energy efficiency to keep their bills low. Simple tips like regularly cleaning air conditioner filters, using LED bulbs, and not overfilling the refrigerator can make a big difference. For more information and to track your usage, you can use the Meralco Appliance Calculator or reach out through the My Meralco app and other official channels.
Sep 18, 2025
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