Electricity rates in Metro Manila and nearby areas are expected to drop this September, providing potential relief to households and businesses, according to the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco). The company traced the anticipated decrease primarily to the stronger Philippine peso, which has helped reduce generation charges—costs incurred from sourcing electricity, much of which are dollar-denominated.
Joe Zaldarriaga, Meralco vice president and head of corporate communications, said the peso’s appreciation offset the cost recovery of San Miguel Global Power for its previously terminated supply contracts, recently approved by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).
“We are optimistic that the reduction in generation charge will be able to offset increases in other bill components,” Zaldarriaga noted.
Meralco’s official rate adjustment for September 2025 is expected to be announced today, September 10. This follows a P0.4883 per kilowatt-hour hike in August, which raised the typical residential bill by about P125 for those consuming 200 kWh monthly.
The lower rates this month are seen as a welcome development for Meralco’s franchise area, covering major cities in Metro Manila and nearby provinces, especially after recent increases driven by costlier supply from Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM).
