MANILA – The Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) has announced an increase in electricity rates for its franchise areas in October.

Meralco stated that power rates within its franchise areas will rise by PHP0.4201 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), reaching PHP11.8198 per kWh compared to September’s PHP11.3997 per kWh.

Following the September hike, Meralco’s electricity charges now stand at PHP0.9207 per kWh more than the previous rates.

For residential customers consuming 200 kWh, this adjustment translates to an increase of approximately PHP84 in their overall electricity bill, according to Meralco.

The company attributes this month’s elevated electricity rates to an upsurge in generation charges, which have climbed to PHP7.1267 per kWh from August’s PHP6.8252 per kWh, an increase of PHP0.3015 per kWh. This increase is primarily due to higher collections from independent power producers (IPPs) and power supply agreements (PSAs), which have risen by PHP0.4599 per kWh and PHP0.1658 per kWh, respectively.

Meralco reported that gas supply restrictions from Malampaya have forced the First Gas plants in Sta. Rita and San Lorenzo to switch to more expensive alternative fuels. Additionally, the San Gabriel power plant experienced a forced shutdown from September 18 to 24 due to limited gas flow from the Malampaya natural gas field.

Rates from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) have also inched up slightly, with an increase of PHP0.0525 per kWh.

In September, Meralco sourced 47 percent of its power requirement from PSAs, 35 percent from IPPs, and 18 percent from WESM.

Furthermore, transmission and other charges imposed by Meralco have risen due to increased ancillary service fees.

On the bright side, Meralco’s distribution charges for residential customers have remained unchanged since August 2022. (ai/mnm)

Meralco must issue a written 48-hour notice to consumers before disconnection — SC

MANILA — The Supreme Court has ruled that Manila Electric Company (Meralco) is required to issue a 48-hour disconnection notice to consumers before cutting off their electric supply.

Meralco’s appeal against a Court of Appeals decision was rejected by the Supreme Court, upholding the violation of the Anti-Electricity and Electric Transmission Lines/Materials Pilferage Act of 1994 (Republic Act 7832).

The case originated from a complaint filed by Lucy Yu, who alleged that Meralco forcefully entered her office at the New Supersonic Industrial Corporation (NSIC) in Valenzuela City and disconnected the power without prior notice.

This resulted in power loss both at Yu’s residence and the NSIC factory.

In its official statement, the Supreme Court emphasized that Meralco must adhere to due process by providing a written notice to consumers at least 48 hours before disconnection.

The Court emphasized that Meralco’s failure to comply with this requirement constitutes a violation of the consumer’s right to due process.

Consequently, Meralco was presumed to have acted in bad faith during the disconnection of Yu’s electric service.

As a result of the ruling, Lucy Yu is entitled to receive compensation totaling P150,000. This includes P50,000 for temperate damages and P100,000 for exemplary damages. (ai/mtvn)