HIGHER ELECTRICITY BILLS POSSIBLE THIS MAY DUE TO WEAKER PESO — MERALCO

Electricity bills in May could rise as the peso weakens against the US dollar and spot market and supplier costs climb. Rising temperatures may also boost consumption, adding to the impact.

Meralco spokesperson Joe Zaldarriaga said some factors could ease the increase, such as a shorter refund period (reducing rates by P0.23/kWh) and the removal of VAT on Malampaya gas (cutting P0.20/kWh). Still, higher summer usage may offset these savings.

Consumer Protections

Meralco will follow the Energy Regulatory Commission’s directive to suspend disconnections and allow staggered payments for households using up to 200 kWh from May to July 2026. Zaldarriaga clarified that generation charges—not public policy fees—are driving most bill increases.