Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) announced Sunday that electricity rates in its service area will likely decrease this August, ahead of the official rate adjustment set to be released on August 10. The company said a newly approved refund from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) will be enough to cover other upward adjustments in monthly bills.
Ordinary consumers and business owners can look forward to substantial savings at the pump this week as local oil companies prepare to roll back pump prices for both gasoline and diesel by as much as P5.00 per liter. The upcoming reduction marks another consecutive week of price cuts, delivering direct financial relief to households managing tight budgets and enterprises battling heavy operating costs.
About 98,000 Meralco customers remained without electricity as of 10 a.m. Sunday as the enhanced southwest monsoon triggered flooding and damaged power facilities in several areas.
The Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) is pressing the government for deeper power sector reforms, arguing that lowering electricity costs will require more than trimming system loss charges and should include tougher enforcement, performance-based regulation, and stronger energy efficiency measures.
Oriental Petroleum and Minerals Corp. has secured the designation of a 505-hectare exploration area in Loreto, Dinagat Islands, as it expands its mineral exploration...