The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) on Monday moved to correct misleading claims circulating on social media about electricity bill charges, saying all fees are legal, transparent, and approved by regulators.
The company explained that power bills already include a detailed breakdown, showing where each payment goes. According to Joe R. Zaldarriaga, Meralco operates under strict government oversight, and every charge listed on bills undergoes review before implementation.
Meralco said several charges—such as subsidies for senior citizens and low-income households, as well as fees supporting renewable energy programs—are mandated by law. These include the Universal Charge, Feed-in Tariff Allowance, and Green Energy Auction Allowance. The company stressed these are not new and apply to all electricity distributors nationwide.
It also clarified that so-called “pass-through charges,” including generation, transmission costs, and taxes, are collected on behalf of other entities. “We do not earn from these charges,” Zaldarriaga said.
Meralco added that its own distribution charge has remained unchanged since it was reduced in 2022.
Amid the spread of misinformation, the company said it will continue providing clear and accurate information and urged customers to reach out through official channels for clarification.
