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Electrical meters with countless electrical wires hanging near residences in Barangay Addition Hills, Mandaluyong City on February 19, 2019. George Calvelo, ABS-CBN News/File

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Electrical meters

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1738636378491MERALCO.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>Electrical meters with countless electrical wires hanging near residences in Barangay Addition Hills, Mandaluyong City on February 19, 2019. George Calvelo, ABS-CBN News/File</div>MANILA — The Senate has approved on the third and final reading House Bill 10926 giving electricity distributor Meralco a fresh 25-year franchise.Sen. Joel Villanueva, sponsor of the measure, said the bill would strengthen the country&#x27;s energy security and protect consumer rights.&quot;Naniniwala po tayo na mas mapapaganda natin ang serbisyo ng Meralco sa mas maganda at mas maayos na presyo ng kuryente,&quot; Villanueva said.But Sen. Risa Hontiveros, who cast the lone dissenting vote, said that Meralco should first refund excess collections from customers.&quot;In recent days, Meralco itself has, by volunteering to initiate refunds with the Energy Regulatory Commission, admitted that it has over-charged consumers. This overcollection needs to be addressed before any further steps are taken,&quot; she said, noting that Meralco&#x27;s franchise does not expire until 2028.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/business/2025/1/29/meralco-s-p19-billion-refund-inadequate-ex-erc-official-1802">Meralco&#x27;s P19 billion refund inadequate: ex-ERC official</a></div>Meralco announced on January 28 that it was already in the process of filing a formal petition <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/business/2025/1/28/meralco-says-looking-to-refund-p19-billion-to-customers-1609">to refund P19 billion</a> covering overcollection from July 2022 to December 2024.Hontiveros proposed amendments that she said were intended to reverse alleged regulatory failures, require an independent financial audit by the Commission on Audit, and mandate the publication of all rules used to calculate electricity rates, among other things.She maintained that these amendments were not unfair to Meralco as they simply ensure accountability and transparency. The Senate bill granted Meralco a franchise to construct, operate, and maintain a distribution system in Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, and Rizal, as well as in neighboring areas in Batangas, Laguna, Quezon, and Pampanga.It said Meralco should uphold its commitment to consumer rights, efficient and reliable delivery of electricity, and competitive market principles.<div>—with a report from RG Cruz, ABS-CBN News</div>

The Senate has approved on the third and final reading House Bill 10926 giving electricity distributor Meralco a fresh 25-year franchise.

The Senate has approved on the third and final reading House Bill 10926 giving electricity distributor Meralco a fresh 25-year franchise.

Senate approves fresh 25-year franchise for Meralco

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Senate approves fresh 25-year franchise for Meralco

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Published February 04, 2025 10:33 AM PHT

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