Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Expect lower electric bills anew after power distributor Meralco announced on Monday (June 8) a hefty P0.58 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) reduction in its electricity rates for the month of June.
The said cut means a typical household consuming 200 kWh per month will pay P116 less, while big consumers will see a net reduction of as much as P290.
This is the second straight month that the power distributor implemented cuts in generation charges following a P0.70 per kWh reduction last May.
According to Meralco, the lower fuel cost in producing electricity significantly reduced generation charges for the month of June.
The amount offset price spikes in the electricity market because of tight supply after several power plants failed to run.
It even overshadowed the P0.04 per kilowatt-hour increase in electricity bills that will be charged beginning this month.
On Friday (June 5), the Energy Regulatory Commission allowed Meralco to collect costs of almost P3.5 billion it incurred since 2003.
The said cost will be paid in installment by Meralco customers until the power distributor can collect the entire amount.
Partylist group Bayan Muna, meanwhile, called on Meralco to immediately refund the excess charge it collected back in December 2013 following a month-long shutdown of the Malampaya natural gas factility.
Meralco, however, said it cannot act on the group’s demand until the Supreme Court lifts its stay order on the rate increase.
