Another Meralco rate roll-back
BK3 notes and appreciates Meralco’s latest electricity rate roll-back that are comparatively lower than other distribution utilities and electric cooperatives operating in the country.
According to a recent newspaper report, the highest electricity rate in the country, based on data from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), belongs to Camiguin Electric Cooperative at P13.47/kwh. It is followed by Pampanga Electric Service Cooperative at P13.33/kwh, and Lubang Electric Cooperative at P12.00/kwh.
Among big Philippine cities, Cagayan de Oro through Cepalco has the highest at “15th place” in the ranking of all distributuion utilities, offering P10.04/kwh, followed by Iligan City at 27th place with P9.33/kwh. Bacolod City is at 38th highest with P8.97/kwh, while Iloilo City is at 47th highest with P8.80/kwh average.
Power rates fluctuate due to numerous factors including demand for power, efficiency of power plants, fuel cost, among others. Based on ERC’s data, Meralco is at 77th highest with P7.85/kwh average, while Davao City is at 76th with P7.86/kwh average.
Moreover, This March 2021, we are seeing Meralco’s second straight month of reduction in its power rates based on its recent press statement which explains that its March (2021) rate reduction is due to the Actual Weighted Average Tarif (AWAT), which would be reflected on the bills this March.
This is a very welcome development as our consumers are now extremely burdened by high inflation. Everything has now become very expensive for the average consumer — transportation and food in particular.
In the interest of the broader consuming public, it needs to point out that Meralco is not the only “face” of the power sector. A quick check with the Department of Energy’s official website shows that, Luzon alone, there are the following DUs:
The Ifugao Electric Cooperative or IFELCO; the Benguet Electric Cooperative, Inc. or BENECO.. There is also KAELCO, or the Kalinga-Apayao Electric Cooperative, Inc.; the MOPRECO or the Mountain Province Electric Cooperative, Inc; the DEPCORP, or the Dagupan Electric Corporation; and, LUECO or the La Union Electric Company, Inc.. There is also CENPELCO or the Central Pangasinan Electric Cooperative, Inc.. Plus, there is the
Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative, Inc., or INEC.
We wish to see as much rollbacks or power rate adjustments in other areas beyond those served by Meralco.
We call on all DU’s to continue serving with transparency and accountability in the interest of the consuming public.