Meralco rates cut by P0.54/kWh

Customers of Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) will pay less this month following the cut in generation charges, the distribution utility announced Tuesday.

Overall electricity rates in May will be lower by P0.5436 per kilowatt-hour (/kWh), mainly due to the decrease in generation charges which fell by P0.4212/kWh.

"The adjustment this month brings the overall rate to P10.0041 per kWh from April's P10.5477 per kWh, equivalent to a decrease of around P109 in the bill of a residential customer consuming 200kWh," Meralco said in a statement.

In the same statement, Meralco said it is now gearing up for the upcoming barangay elections on May 14, with more than 180 generator sets on standby.

"These generator sets intend to provide basic lighting to polling and canvassing places in case of unexpected power interruptions," it said.

"More than 300 floodlights will also be ready for deployment and use in case of emergencies, but Meralco also advises polling centers to bring backup lights as well as extra precautionary measure," it added.

Meralco currently sources its electricity from eight power suppliers, including the Philippine Electricity Market Corporation.

Its franchise area in Luzon covers approximately 9,685 square kilometers, covering 36 cities and 75 municipalities.

This includes Metro Manila, industrial estates, and suburban and urban areas of the adjacent provinces. —ALG, GMA News