Meralco customers may soon see relief from high electricity prices as the Energy Regulatory Commission approved a P9.5‑billion refund.
The commission’s 28‑page decision, issued July 31, orders Meralco to refund consumers P0.3448 per kilowatt‑hour over six months, itemized as a separate line on future bills.
Implementation will begin with the next billing cycle after Meralco receives the decision, according to the commission’s chair.
Distribution utilities normally undergo a rate‑reset process that forecasts future costs. The refund corrects the over‑collection that occurred from January to December 2025 due to delays in that process.
Meralco’s weighted average tariff—calculated from actual revenues and sales—was P1.5224 per kilowatt‑hour, exceeding the final charge of P1.3522 per kilowatt‑hour. The commission will return the excess, including interest, to consumers.
Interest on the over‑recovery amounts to P496 million, which is incorporated into the total refund to compensate affected customers.
Meralco confirmed it will comply with the commission’s order and emphasized its commitment to delivering relief quickly and transparently.
In April, the commission accelerated a P19.96‑billion rebate to mitigate the impact of the Middle East conflict on power costs. Meralco is now implementing the remaining P14.17‑billion balance, translating to an average refund of P0.2511 per kilowatt‑hour.
The reduction follows the commission’s declaration that July 2022 to December 2024 was a lapsed period, prompting the return of excess collections.
