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Workers inspect an electric meter installed above ground in Manila on January 11, 2024. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News

Article (news)

Electric Meter Reading

Alvin Elchico

ABS-CBN News

MANILA -- Meralco spokesman Joe Zadarriaga said the electricity rate for the month of January could go up or down, but it will be minimal compared to last month.Even though prices at the spot market went down in Luzon, where Meralco sources a part of its supply, there are still factors that can push the overall rate up, like the weaker peso versus the US dollar.Likewise, the green energy auction allowance, which is around P0.04/kwh, will be charged to all consumers in January 2026. This is on top of the feed-in-tariff allowance, which also goes to renewable energy developers.According to Zaldarriaga, Meralco will be able to know the actual adjustment by next week, when all cost components come in.In general, power consumption is lower from January until early March because of the cooler weather. This means there is less use of cooling devices like air conditioning units and electric fans.Meanwhile, the Energy Regulatory Commission respects the move of the National Association of Electricity Consumers for Reforms (NASECORE) to seek the Commission on Audit&#x27;s (COA) help to audit Meralco&#x27;s alleged over-recoveries and bill deposit, and see how the company uses the billions of pesos in funds.ERC Chairman Atty. Nino Juan said it is within the right of NASECORE to do that, but noted that the ERC already makes sure that charges to consumers are legitimate and fair.Juan said the process of determining the distribution rate of power utilities and cooperatives necessitates the &quot;audit&quot; of their funds and operations.According to Juan, the ERC is set to decide soon on the issue of bill deposit and how it should be treated by electric cooperatives and utilities.Under current rules, electric cooperatives and private utilities are free to use the customers&#x27; bill deposits in their operations. Despite this, the money paid by consumers as a deposit only earns a measly interest equivalent to the regular savings rate of the Land Bank of the Philippines.NASECORE said that if Meralco and electric cooperatives use the money for investments or expansion, they should earn more interest similar to loans taken out by companies for their operation.Meanwhile, Meralco said the company remains committed to accountability and transparency as it is a heavily regulated firm.On the issue of the COA audit, Meralco insists it is not a government agency and its operation is audited by private auditing companies. Zaldarriaga added that Meralco is committed to cooperating with relevant government agencies like the ERC to ensure transparency.&quot;Wala naman kaming tinatago in as far as our books are concerned, nandidyan naman yan sa aming annual report,&quot; he said.

Meralco sees minimal change in overall electric rate for January 2026 billing

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Meralco sees minimal change in overall electric rate for January 2026 billing

Alvin Elchico,

ABS-CBN News

Published Jan 08, 2026 03:20 PM PHT

Read More:

Meralco

electricity bill

Joe Zaldarriaga

NASECORE

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