Meralco announces implementation of P0.3/kWh increase in electricity rates
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00:00The power rate hikes have been spread thinly over a period of five months that began in May and ends
00:05in October. Maralco's way of softening or cushioning the impact of its huge power rate hike
00:11on its subscribers by breaking it down into smaller charges are on a piecemeal basis.
00:16Our Clazel Pardilia tells us more on this month's rate hike.
00:23DJ, a jeepney driver, felt a glimmer of relief upon hearing about this week's rollback in
00:28petroleum prices. However, his potential savings from this price cut is uncertain,
00:34as Maralco has announced a power rate hike for August.
00:46According to the Manila Electric Company, power rates will rise by three centavos per kilowatt
00:52hour this August. This rate adjustment will result in an increase of seven pesos for consumers,
00:59using 200 kilowatt hours, 10 pesos for 300 kilowatt hours, 13 pesos for 400 kilowatt hours,
01:07and 16 pesos for those consuming 500 kilowatt hours.
01:28This marks the second consecutive month of rate hikes for Maralco customers.
01:49While the fourth month's staggered payment plan to cover rising generation costs
01:54from the previous red and yellow alerts is set to conclude in September,
01:58the future impact on consumers remains unclear and more likely than not bleak.
02:03The increase comes amid outstanding payments to the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines.
02:09Approximately 70 percent of the transmission charge and ancillary service fees required
02:15for power reserves during peak demand periods in March are still pending collection. Additionally,
02:21expected hikes in generation costs from the San Lorenzo and Santa Rita power plants
02:26could further affect electricity prices.
02:44For the new and better Philippines.