Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) reported a 1.5 percent year-on-year growth in power sales for the first quarter of 2025, reaching 12,493 gigawatt hours (GWh), up from 12,307 GWh in the same period last year. The uptick was attributed primarily to stronger demand from residential and commercial sectors, according to Ferdinand Geluz, Meralco senior vice president and chief revenue officer.
Residential consumption rose 3 percent to 4,257 GWh, supported by ongoing electrification and elevated temperatures across Meralco’s franchise area. Commercial demand increased by 1 percent to 4,744 GWh, driven by resilient activity from consumer-facing businesses despite headwinds in the real estate sector.
Industrial sales remained nearly flat, rising just 0.2 percent to 3,455 GWh, as moderate gains in select manufacturing segments were offset by weaker demand in food, beverage, and steel industries.
Geluz expressed confidence in stronger sales for the second quarter and beyond, citing anticipated economic tailwinds including increased consumer spending ahead of the midterm elections, easing inflation, and a potential rebound in real estate occupancy.
The utility giant, which serves over 8 million customers, is expected to release its full Q1 financial results later this month. In February, chairman and CEO Manuel Pangilinan projected 2025 net income to rise 6.7 percent to ₱49.6 billion, following a record ₱46.47 billion in 2024, as full-year revenue rose 6 percent to ₱470.36 billion.
