Photo credit: PNA

Filipinos are once again facing higher electricity bills this February, as Meralco announces another round of rate increases. And let’s be real—this isn’t exactly the news we wanted to hear while prices of basic goods and services are already skyrocketing.

Bas Umali, National Coordinator of Kuryente.org, isn’t mincing words. He calls the increase “ill-timed” and a burden on ordinary consumers. “Electricity is not a luxury—it’s a necessity,” he stresses. “Even the smallest rate hike has a big impact on families, especially those on fixed incomes.”

One major concern? Transparency. Many consumers feel left in the dark about how these charges are calculated and why these rate hikes seem to come so frequently. The additional costs, such as Universal Charges and FIT-All, add up—making monthly bills even more difficult to manage.

While there’s strong support for renewable energy expansion and wider electricity access, Umali argues that these costs shouldn’t be shouldered by consumers alone. Instead, he calls for the reduction or removal of extra charges and taxes that push bills even higher.

So, what’s next? Consumer groups are urging policymakers, regulators, and Meralco itself to listen. They’re demanding clearer explanations and a fairer approach to pricing—because at the end of the day, every centavo counts.

What do you think of the latest rate hike? Let’s talk about it.