The Manila Electric Co. (MERALCO) announced a ₱0.23 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) increase in electricity rates for the month of October.
With the adjustment, the overall power rate for a typical household will rise to ₱13.3182/kWh from ₱13.0851/kWh in September.
According to MERALCO, the rate hike is mainly due to a ₱0.1903/kWh increase in generation charge and the continued depreciation of the Philippine peso against the US dollar.
The power distributor said the higher rates translate to an additional ₱47 in the monthly bill of households consuming 200 kWh, ₱70 for 300 kWh, ₱93 for 400 kWh, and ₱117 for those using 500 kWh monthly.
MERALCO assured customers that it continues to coordinate with power suppliers and government agencies to mitigate future price fluctuations in electricity rates.