Will Christmas lights hike your electric bill? Meralco answers

Using Christmas lights would not increase electricity consumption in households, power firm Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) said Monday.

“Lalo na kung LED ang ginagamit natin. Hindi pa rin tataas 'yung konsumo mo kumpara pag summer months,” said Meralco Spokesperson Joe Zaldarriaga in Oscar Oida’s report on “24 Oras”.

(The electricity consumption would not increase significantly, especially if you are using LED lights.)

Meralco earlier announced a reduction in power rates for December following three consecutive months of adjustments, citing lower charges from the spot market and independent producers.

Power rates would decrease by 79.61 centavos per kilowatt-hour, bringing the overall rate for a typical household to P11.2584/kWh from P12.0545/kWh in November. 

This will translate to a downward reduction of P159 for every 200-kWh consumed, P239 for 300 kWh, P318 for 400 kWh, and P398 for 500 kWh.

“The significant reduction in the WESM prices of almost P2.80 rounding it off and primarily because of lower demand and better dispatch from the powerplants,” Zaldarriaga said.

Zaldarriaga added that the stronger peso also contributed to the decline in the electricity rate.

Meanwhile, Australia-based consulting firm International Energy Consultant (IEC) said electricity rates in the Philippines were no longer the highest in Asia. It also said the Philippines was now 21st out of 46 countries with the highest electricity rates globally. — Sundy Locus/DVM, GMA Integrated News