The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has mandated the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) to return a total of P2.64 billion to its customers after discovering that the company collected excess distribution charges for the period from January to June 2026.
The ERC stated that this refund will equate to an average of P0.1020 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) and will be implemented over a six-month period, which is shorter than the 12-month refund period originally proposed by Meralco.
Following an analysis of Meralco's actual revenue and electricity sales, the ERC determined that the company collected more than the approved distribution rate. As a result of necessary adjustments, the total amount to be refunded to consumers stands at P2.64 billion.
The refund will be reflected as a separate line item in monthly bills labeled "AWAT (Refund)/Collect."
ERC Chairperson and CEO Atty. Francis Saturnino Juan noted that the aim of this action is to provide faster relief to consumers amid the persistently high electricity prices.
However, the ERC clarified that the refund amount is temporary and may change depending on the outcomes of hearings and final evaluations by the commission. They will continue to monitor the implementation of the refund until the full amount is returned to customers.