The Manila Electric Company or Meralco will be increasing its electricity rate for this month’s billing due to raised generation and transmission charges.
The company will be implementing a ₱0.49 increase per kilowatt hour for July, translating to an additional ₱98 for consumers who regularly utilize 200 kWh.
Meralco Spokesperson Joe Zaldarriaga explained the adjustment was caused by a surge in generation and transmission charges.
The peso’s depreciation against the US dollar is another factor driving the rate upwards, especially since the majority of Meralco’s energy sources are dollar-denominated, reported RH 52 Edniel Parrosa.
Zaldarriaga said the 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran has also contributed to a hike in the global price of crude oil.
In spite of the ceasefire deal in the Middle East, Zaldarriaga said Meralco cannot assure consumers of lower rates in the following months.
June saw a power rate lowered by ₱0.1099 per kWh, or ₱7.3552 per kWh, due to lower fuel costs, higher average dispatch, and an improved supply situation in the Luzon grid.
