The Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) expects a boost in energy sales in the second half of 2025, driven by rising demand from the construction sector and related commercial activities. Ferdinand Geluz, Meralco’s SVP and chief revenue officer, highlighted a resurgence in energy-intensive industries such as cement, glass, and steel—signaling renewed corporate activity after a prolonged downturn. Data centers energized last year are also ramping up consumption.
This anticipated rebound contrasts with the utility’s flat or slightly lower sales in the first half, impacted by cooler summer temperatures and a 2.5 percent year-on-year dip in May sales to 4,929 GWh. Year-to-date sales reached 22,149 GWh, prompting Meralco to consider revising its full-year sales growth forecast from the earlier 4.5 percent projection. Updated targets are expected within the month.
Meralco posted record energy sales in 2024 at 54,325 GWh, up 6 percent from 2023, underscoring the significance of commercial and industrial demand in sustaining growth.
