Extended weekends represent an opportunity for working families to relax, rejuvenate, and come together at home. However, this respite often comes with a trade-off: increased electricity usage and subsequently higher bills.

In 2023, families were treated to multiple long weekends due to the strategic placement of holidays on Mondays or Fridays. This led, however, to a surge in the reliance on home appliances, particularly air conditioners, a trend that did not go unnoticed by Manila Electric Co. (Meralco).

The heightened electricity residential consumption during these extended breaks affected not only households but also students and professionals returning to in-person classes and on-site work. As a result, many Filipinos found themselves grappling with higher electricity costs.

Meralco's 2023 financial report showed an increase in electricity demand from residential costumers, with cooling appliances playing a significant role in driving up this demand.

The company also observed a rise in electricity usage in response to the warmer weather conditions exacerbated by El Niño.

Additionally, the return to face-to-face arrangements contributed to a rise in power consumption in condominiums and dormitories as Filipinos adjusted again to the normal learning and work dynamics.

Meralco underscored the impact of long weekends on electricity usage in its franchise area, highlighting how these extended off days contributed to the heightened residential demand for electricity throughout the year.

According to Meralco, households consumed 17,781 gigawatt hours (GWh) of electricity from January to December 2023, a four percent increase compared to the previous year's consumption of 17,148 GWh.