MANILA – The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) has recently announced an increase in electricity charges for the month of March due to higher generation charges triggered by the maintenance shutdown of the Malampaya gas field in February. This news has caused concern among consumers who are already struggling with the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Why did power rates increase this month?
The main reason for the increase in power rates this month is the maintenance shutdown of the Malampaya gas field in February. The Malampaya gas field is one of the main sources of natural gas for the country’s power plants, providing up to 40% of the country’s electricity needs. During the maintenance shutdown, the gas field was unable to supply gas to the power plants, forcing them to rely on more expensive alternative fuel sources such as diesel and coal.
As a result, the cost of generating electricity increased, leading to a higher generation charge that was passed on to consumers. Meralco stated that the generation charge for March would increase to PHP11.4348 per kilowatt hour (kWh), a PHP0.5453 increment from PHP10.8895 per kWh rate in the previous month. This means that consumers will see a higher amount on their electricity bills this month.
What does this mean for consumers?
The increase in power rates this month will undoubtedly have an impact on consumers, especially those who are already struggling to make ends meet due to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The increase in electricity bills may mean less money for other necessities such as food and healthcare.
However, it is important to note that Meralco is not the only utility company in the country that has increased its rates. Other utility companies have also increased their rates due to various reasons such as the increase in coal prices and the depreciation of the peso.
What can consumers do?
There are several things that consumers can do to manage their electricity bills during this time. One way is to conserve energy by turning off appliances and lights when not in use. Consumers can also switch to energy-efficient appliances that use less electricity.
Another option is to explore alternative sources of energy such as solar power. While solar panels may be costly to install initially, they can provide long-term savings on electricity bills. Consumers can also consider joining a community solar program where multiple households share the cost of a solar panel system.
In conclusion, the increase in power rates this month is a cause for concern for many consumers, but it is a result of external factors such as the maintenance shutdown of the Malampaya gas field. While there are no immediate solutions to the issue, consumers can take steps to manage their electricity bills and explore alternative sources of energy.
