THE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has formally directed the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) to refund ₱9.5 billion to its customers for charges collected without proper authorization.
In a 28‑page decision promulgated on July 31, 2026, the regulator set the total refund at ₱9,506,566,556.00, equivalent to an average rate of ₱0.3448 per kilowatt‑hour across all customer classes. The order covers amounts that Meralco billed to consumers but which had not been approved by the ERC.
Refunds will be applied directly to monthly electricity bills as a separate line item clearly marked “AWAT (Refund)/Collect,” rather than paid out in cash. Residential consumers and small users under General Service A will receive the highest rate at ₱0.5861 per kWh, followed by General Service B at ₱0.3879 per kWh, General Power at ₱0.1740 per kWh, GHMSCI at ₱0.2298 per kWh, Flat Streetlights at ₱0.5746 per kWh, and Generator Wheeling at ₱0.0493 per kWh.
Meralco is given six months to complete the full refund process, ensuring that the total amount is returned to consumers within the prescribed period. The ERC’s decision underscores the commission’s mandate to review utility charges and return any over‑recoveries to the public, providing relief to millions of households and establishments that paid unauthorized rates.
metrosundaily
