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 increase this April?
Your electric bill may go up in April because of the hotter weather. Most customers tend to use more electricity during this time, with
cooling appliances running longer and working harder. With summer break and work‑from‑home setups, household electricity use can
also increase. Electricity costs are also affected by dollar‑denominated charges, which increase when the peso weakens. Monthly rates
may change as well.
April 2026 electricity rates may increase, but the final rate is still to be determined.
2. Why did the transmission charge increase in March?
Transmission charge increased by ₱0.2880 per kWh due to a 70% increase in charges for backup power from the Reserve Market, which accounted for almost half of the total transmission charge this month.
Transmission charges for the month of April are still to be determined.
3. 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.
4. Why did the generation charge increase in March?
Your electric bill may go up in April because of the hotter weather. Most customers tend to use more electricity during this time, with cooling appliances running longer and working harder. With summer break and work‑from‑home setups, household electricity use can also increase. Electricity costs are also affected by dollar‑denominated charges, which increase when the peso weakens. Monthly rates
may change as well.
Generation charges for the month of April are still to be determined.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Is the global fuel situation affecting March electricity prices?
Meralco’s rates in March were not affected by the global fuel situation. However, rates may increase in April due to:
- higher global fuel costs
- increased electricity demand during the hotter months and,
- possible unplanned power plant outages.
- dollar-denominated generation costs
While there is a possibility of increase, the final Meralco April rates are still to be determined.
8. 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.
9. Does Meralco set electricity prices?
No. Electricity rates are regulated by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC). Only about 12% of the bill goes to Meralco, and the distribution charge has remained unchanged since August 2022.
10. 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. Will my bill increase again in April?
Bills may still increase due to the impact of the global crisis on foreign exchange and higher summer usage driven by hotter temperatures.
3. 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.