Sherwin Gatchalian urges ERC to stagger power rate hikes

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has called on the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to ensure that the expected increase in electricity rates amid the heightened tensions in the Middle East will be implemented in phases. 

This, as the ERC announced that the “full impact” of the conflict in the Middle East on power bills will be felt by electricity consumers during the hot dry months of April and May. 

Gatchalian, vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy, said the ERC should closely monitor electricity rates and prohibit one-time, large increases to shield consumers from sudden financial strain, especially considering the impact of higher fuel costs. 

“The electricity sector is a regulated industry, and the ERC should not allow one-time, big-time increases in electricity rates. Now is the worst time to increase electricity costs,” the senator said in a statement issued Friday.

He also asked the ERC to ensure that there will be no unwarranted increase in electricity rates. 

Power distributor Meralco earlier said that there will be an increase of P0.6427 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) in its power rate for March 2026, bringing the overall rate for a typical household to P13.8161 per kWh this month from P13.1734 per kWh in February 2026.

The upward adjustment translates to an increase of around P129 in the power bill of a typical household consuming 200 kWh. — Giselle Ombay/RSJ, GMA Integrated News