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No change expected in Meralco distribution rate: suspended ERC chair

Article (news)

Alvin Elchico

ABS-CBN News

MANILA - Meralco&#x27;s average distribution rate will remain at its current rate after the Energy Regulatory Commission has decided to forego the rate reset covering the years 2022 to 2026.This was revealed by suspended ERC Chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta, emphasizing that the commission is not sitting on these issues, contrary to complaints that led to her 6-month preventive suspension.According to Dimalanta, in a vote of 3-2, the commission decided to allow Meralco to maintain its average current rate of P1.35/kwh until 2026 and reapply for the 6th regulatory period for another reset.Dimalanta said she dissented from the majority decision together with Commissioner Catherine Maceda. She said there is still time to study and scrutinize Meralco&#x27;s application and there is a chance that it can be lowered, which will benefit its customers.Since 2010, Meralco&#x27;s average distribution rate has not been reset due to the failure of the commission to finish the process. In 2021, the commission decided to bring down the interim average rate of Meralco to P1.35/kwh from P1.38/kwh in 2010.According to Dimalanta, there is a chance that Meralco&#x27;s distribution charge may go down once the process of reset is done but with the decision, Meralco can file for another rate adjustment in 2026. Bayan Muna Chairman Neri Colmenares said the decision is disadvantageous to consumers.If there is a chance that the average rate will be lower, Colmenares said, why didn&#x27;t the commission allow for a reset and undergo the process of scrutinizing the electricity rate paid by all of its customers?<div>WHO&#x27;S IN CHARGE?</div>Meanwhile, there is still no officer in charge in the ERC, 10 days after the start of the preventive suspension of Dimalanta.When asked if there are some vested interests involved in her suspension, Dimalanta says it&#x27;s possible but she is not yet ready to name names.Dimalanta says while the industry is teeming with powerful major players, the commission needs to act accordingly to issues that affect consumers, no matter who becomes affected or hurt.<div>NO ROLLBACK?</div>Based on the first 3 trading days in the world market, it appears that there will be no more rollback next week in fuel prices.So far, imported gasoline is up by P0.30/liter, while diesel is still down by P0.29/liter and kerosene is also P0.27/liter cheaper.But with freight and premium costs factored in, the reduction for diesel and kerosene may be wiped out by tomorrow, Friday.

Meralco's average distribution rate will remain at its current rate after the Energy Regulatory Commission has decided to forego the rate reset covering the years 2022 to 2026.

Meralco's average distribution rate will remain at its current rate after the Energy Regulatory Commission has decided to forego the rate reset covering the years 2022 to 2026.