Meralco power rate up by P0.64 per kWh this March 2026

The Manila Electric Company will raise its power rate by PHP0.6427 per kilowatt hour (kWh) for the March 2026 billing.

This rate will bring the overall rate to PHP13.8161/kWh during the month, meaning an increase of around PHP129 for a household consuming 200 kWh per month.

In a briefing on March 10, Meralco said this is due to higher transmission and generation charges.

Meralco Vice President and Head of Corporate Communications Joe Zaldarriaga attributed the higher transmission charge to a 70% increase in ancillary service charges imposed by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines after it tapped additional capacity from the Reserve Market. This also led the generation charge to rise by PHP0.2209/kWh to PHP7.8607/kWh.

Zaldarriaga also warned that electricity charges could climb further as tensions in the Middle East continue to affect global oil supply. He urged consumers to practice energy conservation by switching off and unplugging appliances when not in use and making the most of natural light to reduce electricity consumption and reduce costs.

On March 9, Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said in a press conference that, based on their simulations, electricity rates may increase by 16% next month as a result of the Middle East conflict. 

This price hike is currently affecting the oil sector, as Garin warned of a P17 to P124 per liter jump in fuel costs this week. However, she noted that some companies have committed to raising prices in increments of P2.50 or P10, and not all at once.