While it has been often pointed out in the media that the Philippines has one of the highest electricity price rates in the world, I wish here to note and appreciate the fact how relatively competitive Meralco's electricity price rates are now in the context of the country's whole energy sector. In fact, Meralco’s rates are even lower than many of the other distribution utilities and electric cooperatives operating in the country.

To illustrate, a recent newspaper report pointed out that the highest electricity rate in the country, based on data from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), belongs to Camiguin Electric Cooperative at P13.47/kwh. This is followed by Pampanga Electric Service Cooperative at P13.33/kwh, and the Lubang Electric Cooperative at P12.00/kwh.

Among big Philippine cities, Cagayan de Oro through Cepalco has the highest at “15th place” in the ranking of all distribution utilities, offering P10.04/kwh, followed by Iligan City at 27th place with P9.33/kwh. Bacolod City is at 38th highest with P8.97/kwh, while Iloilo City is at 47th with P8.80/kwh average.

Power rates fluctuate because of numerous factors including demand for power, efficiency of power plants, fuel cost, among others. Based on ERC’s data, of over a hundred distribution utilities in the country today Meralco is at just 77th with a P7.85/kwh average rate, while the Distribution utility that servesDavao City is reportedly at 76th with P7.86/kwh average.

Moreover, this March, we are seeing Meralco's second straight month of reduction in its power rates based on its recent press statement which explains that its March (2021) rate reduction is due to the Actual Weighted Average Tariff (AWAT), which would be reflected on the bills this same month.

This is a very welcome development as our consumers are now extremely burdened by high inflation. On top of and due to pressures created under the pandemic, everything has now become very expensive for the average consumer — transportation and food in particular.

I also note, as well that, according to a press statement released by Meralco, “This month’s rate is lower than that of March 2019, which was P10.4961 per kWh”

Still, in the interest of the broader consuming public, it needs to be really emphasized that Meralco is not the only face of the power sector for the general public.

A quick check with the Department of Energy’s official website shows that, for instance, in Luzon alone, we have these, other DUs that are serving the Filipino public in their respective areas of service. There is the Ifugao Electric Cooperative or IFELCO; the Benguet Electric Cooperative, Inc. or BENECO.. There is also KAELCO, or the Kalinga-Apayao Electric Cooperative, Inc.; the MOPRECO or the Mountain Province Electric Cooperative, Inc; the DEPCORP, or the Dagupan Electric Corporation; and, LUECO or the La Union Electric Company, Inc.. There is also CENPELCO or the Central Pangasinan Electric Cooperative, Inc.. Plus, there is the Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative, Inc., or INEC.
Given all these other players in the sector, we only tend to focus more on Meralco because of its corporate heft, its wide coverage, and the centrality of its location of service.

The point is, we wish to also see as much rollbacks or reasonable power rate adjustments in other areas beyond those served by Meralco.

All other DUs like Meralco must serve with transparency and accountability in the interest of the consuming public.