Meralco Rates Up by P0.72/kWh This Month

The Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) is increasing its rates by about P0.72 per kilowatt-hour in April, bringing the overall rate to P13.01 per kWh from last month's P12.29 per kWh.

- By Brix Lelis

The adjustment, which was tempered by Meralco's refund, translates to an increase of around P145 in the electricity bills of typical households consuming 200 kWh a month.

At a press conference yesterday, Meralco spokesman Joe Zaldarriaga said the rate hike was mainly due to higher generation charges, especially in the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market.