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With the dry season setting in and global uncertainties adding pressure, Manila Electric Company is calling on Filipinos to start saving energy now—not later.

Electricity demand in the Philippines typically spikes during the hotter months, sometimes rising by as much as 20% to 33%, largely due to heavier use of cooling appliances like air conditioners. This year, however, there’s an added concern: ongoing tensions in the Middle East that continue to shake global energy markets and potentially drive up fuel and power costs.

To stay ahead of the situation, Meralco says it is already taking steps to ensure stable supply and manage price volatility. According to Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan, the company is closely reviewing its fuel mix—including liquefied natural gas, coal, and diesel—while coordinating with suppliers to keep electricity flowing reliably.

At the same time, Meralco is echoing the government’s call for energy efficiency, stressing that small actions at home can make a big difference. Pangilinan noted that since the country relies heavily on imported fuel for power generation, conserving electricity now could help avoid bigger problems in the coming weeks.

Ensuring continuous and affordable service remains a priority. Meralco Executive Vice President and COO Ronnie L. Aperocho shared that the company is optimizing its energy sources and carefully managing its exposure to the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market, where prices can swing significantly. He added that Meralco is ready to secure lower-cost replacement power if needed.

For consumers, the message is simple: be mindful of your usage. Meralco Vice President Joe R. Zaldarriaga emphasized that energy efficiency not only helps manage electricity bills but also supports a collective effort to ease pressure on the power system.

Simple habits can go a long way. Setting air conditioners to 25°C, using inverter appliances, avoiding overloading refrigerators, switching to LED lighting, and maximizing full loads in washing machines are just some of the practical steps households can take.

To make things even easier, Meralco is encouraging customers to use tools like the Appliance Calculator in the My Meralco App, which helps estimate the cost and consumption of everyday appliances.

Bottom line: as temperatures rise and global factors remain uncertain, saving electricity isn’t just about cutting costs—it’s about helping ensure there’s enough power for everyone.