Meralco Residential Rates Rise P0.3428/kWh in July; Distribution Charge Decision Expected in August-September

According to Rappler, Meralco customers will pay higher electricity rates in July after fuel costs surged amid the Middle East conflict, the scheduled shutdown of the Malampaya natural gas facility beginning June 15, and tight power supply conditions across Luzon. The residential rate rose by P0.3428 per kilowatt-hour to P14.8261 per kWh from P14.4833 per kWh in June, translating to approximately P34 to P171 additional monthly cost depending on household consumption levels.

The Energy Regulatory Commission is expected to decide by August or September whether to approve Meralco's separate rate reset application, which proposes raising the distribution charge from P1.35 per kWh to P2.34 per kWh, though ERC Chairperson Francis Saturnino Juan emphasized the review does not necessarily guarantee higher rates.