ERC okays lower Meralco rates starting July

Power rates will be reduced starting July after the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) approved the provisional decrease in Manila Electric Company’s (Meralco) distribution charge.  (Eagle News Service)
Power rates will be reduced starting July after the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) approved the provisional decrease in Manila Electric Company’s (Meralco) distribution charge. (Eagle News Service)

MANILA (PNA) — The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) on Thursday approved the provisional decrease in Manila Electric Company’s (Meralco) distribution charge starting July.

In a decision, the regulator said the distribution charge will be at an average of P1.56 kilowatt per hour (kWh), lower compared to its current P1.65/kWh level.

”This translates to a reduction of P0.0851 on the average,” ERC Executive Director lawyer Francis Saturnino C. Juan told PNA.

The order requires Meralco to apply the new distribution rate from July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015.

Moreover, Meralco Utility Economics Head Larry S. Fernandez said most of their consumers will benefit from the said rate cut.

“Reduction will be on an average (for residential and commercial) of P0.85 (per kWh),” he told PNA.

Distribution charge comprises 18 percent of Meralco’s monthly bill.

Currently, the company charges consumers with 200kWh monthly consumption of P244.5 distribution rate. (Philippine News Agency)