Generation charge cut by P0.05/kilowatt-hour

Business World Online
Posted on January 09, 2012 11:23:38 PM


MANILA ELECTRIC CO. (Meralco) has cut its generation charge for the January billing period, citing cheaper power sourced from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM).
The distribution utility, in a statement, said it had trimmed the power bill component by P0.05 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) to P5.46/kWh.
Meralco, which also pointed to slightly lower total energy consumption due to cooler temperatures in December, said lower WESM rates had offset “slightly higher prices from independent power producers” caused by lower dispatch levels.
The cost of power sourced from the National Power Corp. (Napocor) remained stable, it said.
Meralco sourced 42% of its power requirements from independent power producers, 46% from Napocor and 12% from the WESM.
The lower generation charge means consumers who use 100 kWh per month will see their electricity bills go down by P5. Those consuming 200 kWh per month will see a P10 cut while those using 300 kWh will experience a decrease of P15.
Shares of Meralco ended yesterday at P260 apiece, up 1.17% from its previous close of P257.