The Manila Electric Company (MERALCO) announced a decrease in its electricity charges for the month of February.
According to the power giant, consumers can expect a 7-centavo per kilowatt hour (kWh) reduction in their bill. It is equivalent to a ₱14-drop for residential customers who consume 200 kWh, ₱21 for those who consume 300 kWh, ₱28 for 400 kWh consumption, and ₱35 for consumers of 500 kWh.
MERALCO disclosed that it is 18 centavos lesser than that of February 2020. The main reason for the rate cut is the low generation and transmission charge.
The electric company also announced that the “no disconnection policy” for lifeline customers has been extended until the end of February.
However, Energy Committee Chairman Senator Win Gatchalian asserted that the extension must be extended while many areas are still under the General Community Quarantine (GCQ) since low-income households have not yet fully recovered from the effect of the pandemic.
In response, MERALCO assured that it is ready to follow any directives issued by the government. – Report from Naomi Tiburcio
