Meralco to refund ₱2.64 billion in over-collected…

Meralco to refund ₱2.64 billion in over-collected distribution charges for January–June — deducted from bills over six months

📌 On October 12 (Monday), the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) announced that it ordered Meralco to return roughly ₱2.64 billion in distribution charges it collected in excess of the approved rates for January to June this year. The refund will be deducted from electricity bills over six months, and residential customers will receive ₱0.1733 per kWh. Reporting has not yet said when the deduction will start appearing on bills.

■ What changes
· According to the ERC's first review (true-up), Meralco's approved distribution rate for January to June was ₱1.3522 per kWh, but it actually collected ₱1.5537 per kWh — about ₱0.2015 per kWh more, or roughly ₱5.36 billion in total.
· The net amount to be returned to customers is about ₱2.64 billion, with an average refund of ₱0.1020 per kWh.
· Meralco had proposed returning ₱0.0487 per kWh over 12 months, but the ERC shortened the period to six months so consumers benefit sooner.
· Refunds per kWh by customer class: residential and General Service A ₱0.1733, General Service B ₱0.1147, and public hospitals, metered street lighting, and charitable institutions ₱0.0706.

■ Upcoming schedule
· The amounts are provisional and may change at the ERC's final hearing from October 16 to 23.

■ Tips for residents and travelers
· Based on the Daily Tribune's calculations, a household using 200 kWh a month will pay about ₱34.66 less each month, and one using 300 kWh about ₱52 less.
· The refund will appear as a separate line item labeled 'AWAT (Refund)/Collect' on your bill, so check for it when you receive it.
· This applies only to Meralco customers. Areas served by other distribution utilities or electric cooperatives are not covered.

■ Sources
Philstar (10/12), Daily Tribune (10/12)