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Meralco is making moves to give consumers more control over their electricity bills, and it’s all thanks to a game-changing program called the Retail Aggregation Program (RAP). This initiative allows smaller power users—those consuming less than 500 kilowatts—to team up and choose their own electricity supplier.

What Does This Mean for You?

Before, only large businesses and industrial users could participate in the Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA) system, which lets customers pick their preferred power provider. But with RAP, even smaller establishments, offices, or groups of households within the same franchise area can band together and take advantage of this setup.

Smart Meters Make It Possible

Meralco’s investment in Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) is what makes RAP work. These high-tech meters track energy consumption every five minutes, ensuring accurate data collection and fair billing. This info is then sent directly to the Market Operator daily, allowing for seamless transactions between customers and their chosen suppliers.

A More Competitive Energy Market

During the ceremonial switching of the country’s first retail aggregation customer, Meralco’s EVP and COO Ronnie Aperocho emphasized how this program gives consumers more freedom and flexibility when it comes to their electricity.

“Meralco is embracing innovative technologies, not only to modernize our power infrastructure but to really empower consumers. Retail aggregation, enabled through AMI, creates opportunities for retail suppliers to bring value to consumers and fosters a more dynamic and competitive energy market,” he said.

The Bottom Line

With the Retail Aggregation Program, Meralco is shaking up the energy game—making it easier for smaller consumers to negotiate better rates, explore greener options, and take charge of their electricity usage. If you’ve ever wished for more control over your power bill, this could be the change you’ve been waiting for.