Energy & Mining
Regulator issues rules extending power disconnection suspension through year-end 2026
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has released the guidelines extending the suspension of power service disconnections through the end of December 2026 for qualified low-income residential consumers, balancing immediate household relief with strict settlement conditions for distribution utilities.
September WESM prices rise 3.1% nationwide, set to reflect in October bills
Electricity prices at the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market climbed 3.1 percent in September, according to the Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines. The Independent Electricity Market Operators of the Philippines or IEMOP reported Tuesday that the national average hit P7.43 per kilowatt-hour as of September 25, up from August’s P7.21 per kWh. It said the rates will be used to calculate spot-market electricity costs billed this October.
Semirara Mining claims DOE bidding rules block participation, threaten coal supply and public revenues
Semirara Mining and Power Corporation (SMPC) has criticized the Department of Energy (DOE) over auction rules governing the Semirara coal mine, claiming that procedural flaws and onerous conditions effectively prevent the long-time operator from participating in the bidding process.
Meralco raises October electricity rates by ₱0.32 per kWh after consecutive price cuts
Following back-to-back price cuts in previous months, the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) on Monday announced an electricity rate increase of ₱0.3191 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for October. The adjustment pushes the overall rate for a typical household to ₱15.0615 per kWh, up from ₱14.7424 per kWh in September.
Alsons Power accelerates renewables as Mindanao supply tightens
Alsons Power Group is accelerating its renewable energy expansion as Mindanao confronts a narrowing electricity supply buffer, with projections pointing to the potential exhaustion of excess generation capacity by 2028 amid sustained demand growth.
