Despite a slow start to energy sales in the first quarter of 2026, Manuel V. Pangilinan-led Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) expects demand to rebound as the dry season intensifies.

According to Meralco Chief Operating Officer (COO) Ronnie L. Aperocho, the El Niño phenomenon could increase energy demand throughout the summer period and beyond, potentially offsetting the slower sales growth recorded in the first three months of this year.

“We expect a recovery starting May up to the end of the year. We’re still looking at positive growth this year in terms of sales. Maybe at the range of one to two percent,” he told reporters last week.

Despite the optimistic outlook, Aperocho noted that sales figures were four percent lower this year compared to the same period last year.

From January to March, Meralco’s energy sales slipped by 1.8 percent year-on-year to 12,273 gigawatt-hours (GWh).

While the early months experienced lingering cooler temperatures, Aperocho said intensified energy conservation measures driven by the effects of the Middle East conflict further affected sales.

The distribution utility’s (DU) peak demand also fell by 5.1 percent to 7.91 gigawatts (GW).

Among the three customer segments, the residential sector posted a three-percent decline in total sales contribution due to weaker organic demand and the increasing adoption of own-use solar installations.

Despite this, Meralco said it recorded higher applications and energizations of new services, helping support sales growth.

The commercial and industrial segment likewise posted a modest one-percent decline as office demand weakened amid higher vacancies, while some retail and hotel establishments adopted energy-efficiency measures.

However, the expansion of cafés and quick-service restaurants (QSRs) helped offset part of the decline.

By end-March, Meralco’s consolidated customer count reached 8.3 million.