Energy & Mining

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has directed Manila Electric Company (Meralco) to return a net total of P2.64 billion to its customers, to be spread over roughly six months rather than the full year the company originally proposed, with the rebate likely showing up at the next billing cycle.

Rising electricity demand is placing growing strain on the Philippines’ power system, prompting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to recently call for a fresh look at nuclear energy as part of the country’s national energy grid during his State of the Nation Address. But one lawmaker says revisiting the issue is not enough—the government must move quickly from discussion to action.

Singapore-based Vena Energy is committing an additional P52 billion in equity investments to expand its Philippine renewable energy portfolio by 1.29 gigawatts (GW) over the next two years, strengthening its presence in a power market seeking to diversify supply and reduce reliance on conventional energy sources.

Filipino households and businesses face another week of divergent fuel price movements, as local retailers prepare to implement mixed adjustments driven by shifting geopolitical signals, seasonal demand, and supply chain disruptions. Jetti Petroleum President Leo Bellas indicated that gasoline prices are projected to rise by ₱1.50 to ₱1.70 per liter, while diesel prices offer brief relief with an expected drop of ₱1.90 to ₱2.10 per liter. The outlook for kerosene remains unspecified for the week following a sharp increase in the previous period.

The Jollibee Group is further stepping up its shift to clean energy, teaming up once again with First Gen to run 189 of its company-owned outlets on renewable power.