A P0.72 per kilowatt-hour rate hike is set to take effect in the next billing cycle, amounting to an estimated P145 increase for customers with a monthly consumption of 200 kWh.

The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) explained that the rate hike was primarily driven by a “significant” rise in the generation charge, although there were slight movements in other bill components as well.

Moreover, the significant increase in the generation charge effectively offset the refund mandated by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).

The ERC previously ordered the return of more than ₱19 billion in alleged overcharges over the past two years, with the refund set to take effect this month.