At a time when global fuel markets remain uncertain and the demand for electricity continues to rise, especially during the hotter months, we at Meralco remain committed to our core purpose—to keep your homes, businesses, and communities reliably powered.
We understand the impact that changes in electricity rates can have on every household. That is why we continue to work with our power suppliers, monitor market conditions, and secure the most cost-effective supply available, all while strengthening our operations to ensure uninterrupted service.
As we navigate these challenges together, our priority remains clear: to deliver safe, reliable, and affordable electricity—24/7.
Below is a quick guide to help you understand the March 2026 electricity rates, the factors affecting your bill, and the ways you can better manage your electricity use.
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Frequently Asked Questions
A. Electricity Rates and Power Supply
1. Why did my electricity bill change this May?
Electricity rates in May may decrease due to ERC’s efforts in helping mitigate electricity costs, including:
- Increased refund rate for residential customers
- Suspension of the Green Energy Auction Allowance (GEA-All) collections until June 2026
- Partial implementation of the value-added tax (VAT) exemption for power generated using indigenous natural gas
- Lower transmission charges
However, if your bill increased, this may be due to higher electricity consumption, which typically rises during the dry season as more cooling appliances are used.
Monthly rates may change depending on demand, dollar exchange rates, and global fuel prices. The June 2026 electricity rate is not yet final.
2. What are Ancillary Services?
Ancillary Services are backup power sources kept on standby to keep the power system stable whenever supply or demand suddenly changes. For example, when a large solar plant's output decreases due to cloud cover, or when demand increases because of simultaneous air conditioner use, backup power steps in to stabilize the grid.
3. Why did the generation charge increase in May?
The generation charge increased from P8.3864 per kWh to P8.7942 in May mainly due to the following factors:
- Weaker peso, which raised the cost of dollar‑denominated power supply from suppliers
- Higher WESM prices
- Higher fuel costs
These factors pushed generation costs upward for the month. Final generation charges for June remain subject to adjustment.
4. Does Meralco earn from higher transmission and generation charges?
No. Meralco does not earn from transmission and generation charges. These are passthrough charges remitted directly to generation companies and NGCP. Meralco's distribution charge has remained unchanged since August 2022.
5. Why do electricity rates change every month?
Under the EPIRA law, electricity rates reflect the true cost of generating, transmitting, and distributing electricity. Generation charges change monthly depending on fuel prices, foreign exchange rates, supply conditions, and electricity spot market prices.
6. How does the global energy crisis affect electricity rates?
When global fuel prices increase, such as natural gas, the cost of generating electricity also rises. Natural gas accounts for about half of Meralco's supply mix, and generation companies include these fuel costs in the electricity price.
7. Does Meralco set electricity prices?
No. Electricity rates are regulated by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC). Only about 17.5% of the bill goes to Meralco, and the distribution charge has remained unchanged since August 2022.
8. What is Meralco doing to address rising electricity costs?
Meralco optimizes its energy mix and follows the Department of Energy's Competitive Selection Process to ensure least-cost power supply while strengthening its systems to maintain reliable service.
B. Summer Electricity Demand
1. Why do bills increase during summer?
- Higher temperatures increase the use of cooling appliances whose compressors work harder.
- More people stay home and use appliances simultaneously during school breaks.
- Power plant maintenance or outages can tighten supply and increase costs.
2. Can the power system handle higher summer demand?
Meralco has sufficient supply through its contracted generation companies. However, grid stability is managed by the NGCP, which may implement rotating load drops if necessary.
C. Understanding Your Electricity Bill
1. Why did my bill increase even if my usage stayed the same?
Total bills may increase even if consumption is the same because rates depend on generation costs, which are affected by fuel prices, market prices, and the peso-dollar exchange rate.
2. How will I know if the billing period and reading is correct?
To know if your billing period and reading are correct, we can check a few things for you:
- the number of days in the billing period
- the type of reading used (actual or estimated)
- and if there are any unusual spikes compared to your previous bills.
If we see that an estimated or late reading was used, we’ll guide you through validation and what the next steps are.
D. Managing Electricity Use
1. What can I do to manage my electricity bill?
Your bill depends on how much power your appliances use and how long you use them. To reduce your bill: use high-power appliances less often, limit usage hours with timers, monitor usage via the Meralco Appliance Calculator/app, and consider energy-efficient appliances or solar options.
2. What is Meralco doing to help customers?
Meralco sources power strategically to maintain cost-effective supply and provides efficiency tips, Lifeline and Senior Citizen discounts, KLoad, and tools like the Appliance Calculator.
E. Customer Options
1. Can I consider solar energy?
Yes. You may install solar panels and enroll in Net-Metering. Customers with up to 100 kW of solar capacity can export excess energy and receive bill credits.
2. Are prepaid electricity customers affected by rate changes?
Yes. Prepaid rates also change monthly based on electricity rates.
F. Customer Channels
1. Do I really need to go to the business center? Are there other channels we can use?
We encourage using digital options. You can use the MyMeralco App for your usage history and inquiries.
You may also book your business center visits via Online Customer Appointment (OCA) or interact with our Virtual Customer Assistant (VCA).
2. What is OCA/VCA and how does this help me?
OCA and VCA are our digital service channels for us to support you better.
OCA lets you set a scheduled visit at the Business Center, while VCA provides online assistance. Depending on your concern, we’ll guide you to the right option.