Delay in Meralco distribution charge rate reset looms again | ABS-CBN
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Delay in Meralco distribution charge rate reset looms again
Delay in Meralco distribution charge rate reset looms again
A worker inspects an electric meter in Manila on January 11, 2024. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News/File
A worker inspects an electric meter in Manila on January 11, 2024. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News/FileMANILA -- Another delay in the rate reset of Meralco's distribution charge loomed after a Supreme Court decision questioning the current methodology in determining the utility's asset base valuation and allowable expenses.
MANILA -- Another delay in the rate reset of Meralco's distribution charge loomed after a Supreme Court decision questioning the current methodology in determining the utility's asset base valuation and allowable expenses.
Energy Regulatory Commission chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta admitted the commission could no longer be able to meet its target of resolving Meralco's petition to increase the average distribution charge by P0.33/kwh.
Energy Regulatory Commission chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta admitted the commission could no longer be able to meet its target of resolving Meralco's petition to increase the average distribution charge by P0.33/kwh.
That means the current average distribution rate of P1.35/kwh will remain until the commission decides on an interim rate while it determines the correct asset base valuation of Meralco as well as its allowable expenses.
That means the current average distribution rate of P1.35/kwh will remain until the commission decides on an interim rate while it determines the correct asset base valuation of Meralco as well as its allowable expenses.
Meralco has not had any rate reset since 2015 due to the commission's failure to undergo the process of determining the appropriate rate Meralco should charge its customers.
Meralco has not had any rate reset since 2015 due to the commission's failure to undergo the process of determining the appropriate rate Meralco should charge its customers.
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NASECORE PUSHES FOR AUDIT
Nasecore president Pete Ilagan said the ERC should order an audit of Meralco to determine the correct asset base, which impacts on the rates it imposes on consumers.
Nasecore president Pete Ilagan said the ERC should order an audit of Meralco to determine the correct asset base, which impacts on the rates it imposes on consumers.
Ilagan said an audit wouldld also determine whether past and present expenses are allowed based on the supreme court decision and for the benefit of consumers.
Ilagan said an audit wouldld also determine whether past and present expenses are allowed based on the supreme court decision and for the benefit of consumers.
According to Ilagan, in effect, if the current rate is not changed, Meralco will continue to overcharge consumers.
According to Ilagan, in effect, if the current rate is not changed, Meralco will continue to overcharge consumers.
Earlier, the ERC has ordered Meralco to refund almost P20 billion for its overcollection from 2022 to 2024 using the current average rate of P1.35/kwh.
Earlier, the ERC has ordered Meralco to refund almost P20 billion for its overcollection from 2022 to 2024 using the current average rate of P1.35/kwh.
The utility is expected to refund more to cover for 2025, as it continues to charge consumers an average of P1.35/kwh until today.
The utility is expected to refund more to cover for 2025, as it continues to charge consumers an average of P1.35/kwh until today.
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CONSUMERS JUST PAY
But for ordinary consumers like Joy Bautista, there is no point in finding out what the fair rate is.
But for ordinary consumers like Joy Bautista, there is no point in finding out what the fair rate is.
According to Bautista, she just pays her bill no matter how high to avoid disconnection.
According to Bautista, she just pays her bill no matter how high to avoid disconnection.
When ABS-CBN News talked to Bautista last month, her bill was just P11,000 but this month, she paid over P14,000 to Meralco.
When ABS-CBN News talked to Bautista last month, her bill was just P11,000 but this month, she paid over P14,000 to Meralco.
Bautista said that even if she complains about high power rates, nothing will come out of it, so instead of complaining, she would rather focus her energy in tending to her small eatery to earn more, so that she will have extra income to cover the rise in her electricity bill.
Bautista said that even if she complains about high power rates, nothing will come out of it, so instead of complaining, she would rather focus her energy in tending to her small eatery to earn more, so that she will have extra income to cover the rise in her electricity bill.
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