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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider Meralco insists power rates reflect true cost

Meralco insists power rates reflect true cost

Published Nov 14, 2023 07:48 am

At A Glance

  • The Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) asserts that power prices in the country reflect actual electricity costs and are fair and reasonable.<br>Joe Zaldarriaga, Meralco vice president for corporate communications, said the company follows the rules and guidelines set by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).<br>Power prices in the Philippines are higher compared to neighboring countries due to the absence of government subsidies.<br>About 80% of charges are remitted to power generation companies, the transmission grid operator, and government taxes.<br>Zaldarriaga said Meralco consistently delivers stable and reliable service within regulatory standards.<br>The company invests in improvement projects and new technologies to strengthen its distribution network.<br>Meralco serves over 7.8 million energy consumers.<br>The distribution charge has remained the same since August with a reduction of P0.0360 per kilowatt hour (kWh) for typical residential customers.

The Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) said that the power prices in the country coincide with the real electricity costs, and that their rates are fair and reasonable to its service quality.

Meralco issued the statement to clarify the recent statements made by ACT-Teachers Representative France Castro, and Laguna 1st District Representative Ann Matibag.

Joe Zaldarriaga, Meralco vice president for corporate communications, stated that “We already made clarifications regarding Congressman Dan Fernandez's statements, which were also reflected in the statements of Representatives Matibag and Castro.”

Zaldarriaga explained that Meralco is one of the several distribution utilities (DUs) and Electric Companies (ECs) operating and have been abiding by the rules and guidelines of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).

“Electricity rates in the Philippines reflect the true cost of electricity, unlike that of other countries which are heavily subsidized by their governments,” he said.

Meralco stated that Philippine power prices are higher than the neighboring countries.

This was due to the government subsidies, according to the latest study of Internatonal Energy Consultants.

“The company has always been transparent about its rates as well as causes of adjustments,” said the energy distribution utility. “Records will show that Meralco’s rates and service quality are among the most competitive in the Philippines.”

Eighty percent of the charges are remitted to three areas: power generation companies, transmission grid operator, and government taxes.

“In terms of quality, Meralco has consistently delivered stable and reliable service and performed well within regulatory standards” Zaldarriaga said.

The energy company has also been investing in improvement projects as well as newer technologies in order to strengthe its distribution network and cater to the needs of over 7.8 million energy consumers within their reach.

Moreover, Meralco clarified that their distribution charge remains the same since August because of the P0.0360 per kilowatt hour (kWh) reduction for typical residential customers. (Gabriell Christel Galang)

Related Tags

power rate Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) electricity bills
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