ERC orders Meralco to refund P2.64 billion to customers
The Energy Regulatory Commission has ordered Meralco to refund P2.64 billion to customers over the next six months. This adjustment follows a true-up calculation of distribution rates and aims to provide financial relief to consumers.
Why it matters
Utility rate adjustments have a direct impact on household budgets and the cost of living for millions of Meralco customers.
MANILA, Philippines - Regulators have ordered Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) to return an additional P2.64 billion to its customers over six months, offering temporary relief as higher distribution charges kick in.
In an order approved on Oct. 9 made public yesterday, the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) granted provisional approval to Meralco's refund application for the lapsed period covering January to June 2026.
Equivalent to an average rate of P0.102 per kilowatt-hour across all customer classes, the refund will appear as a separate line item on customers' bills labeled "AWAT (Refund/Collect)."
Residential customers stand to receive a larger refund of P0.1733 per kWh, translating to a reduction of about P34.66 for those consuming 200 kWh.
"When Meralco collects more than it is entitled to, the ERC will make sure it is returned and that it is returned quickly," ERC chairman and CEO Francis Saturnino Juan said.
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