P1.44/kWh power rate hike due in March 

A power rate hike looms big in March as a result of the maintenance shutdown of the Malampaya gas facility.

Citing energy sources, a GMA News report said the power rate hike could hit P1.44 per kilowatt hour (kWh) in March or an equivalent of P288 for every 200 kWh monthly consumption.

The scheduled maintenance shutdown will start end of January and is expected to last until February 18, 2017.

Maghanda na sa pagtaas ng inyong bill sa kuryente sa Marso. #UnangBalita

— Unang Hirit (@UnangHirit) January 10, 2017

Bunsod 'yan ng nakatakdang maintenance shutdown ng Malampaya gas facility sa katapusan ng Enero hanggang February 18. #UnangBalita

— Unang Hirit (@UnangHirit) January 10, 2017

According to the Department of Energy, power rates would increase by P1.44/kWh. 

Despite the power rate hike, the DOE assured the people there will be no power shortage during the Malampaya shutdown.

But the DOE insisted consumers should conserve energy.

Late last year, power distributor Meralco had warned of the looming power hike due to the Malampaya shutdown, and estimated that the possible rate adjustment could reach up to P1/kWh. —LBG/KG, GMA News