Millions of households under Meralco’s service area are getting money back. The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has directed the Manila Electric Company to return P9.5 billion to its consumers, and the refund will show up on electricity bills over the coming months.
According to a news report, the ERC shared its decision with the media over the weekend, ordering the country’s largest power distributor to carry out the refund within six months.
What the Refund Is About
The P9.5 billion refund is tied to the actual weighted average tariff (AWAT). In simple terms, this covers a review of how much Meralco charged customers against what it was actually allowed to collect during a set period.
The ERC declared Meralco’s original fifth regulatory period — running from July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2025 — as “lapsed.” Because of that ruling, the regulator required Meralco to reconcile its charges and return the excess to consumers.
How Much You Can Expect Back
The average refund rate has been set at P0.3448 per kilowatt hour (kWh). The exact amount each household receives will depend on electricity usage during the covered period.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the key numbers:
- Total refund: P9.5 billion
- Average rate: P0.3448 per kWh
- Timeline: Must be completed within six months
- Covered period: July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2025
How You’ll See It on Your Bill
The ERC instructed Meralco to reflect the refund as a separate line item on customer bills. Look for the label “AWAT (Refund)/Collect” on your statement so you can clearly see the amount being returned.
Meralco has also been ordered to submit regular reports to the ERC until the full refund is completed.
Meralco’s Response
Meralco confirmed it will comply with the directive. The company said it backs government efforts to give relief to consumers and wants the refund handled quickly and transparently.
Why This Matters for OFWs
For Filipinos working abroad, this is welcome news. Many of you shoulder the electricity bills of families back home, so a lower monthly charge means real savings you can feel.
When your next Meralco bill arrives, remind your loved ones to check for that refund line. It’s a small win worth watching for over the next six months.