Meralco Ordered to Refund P9.5 Billion to Customers by ERC

The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) has been directed by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to refund P9.5 billion to its customers. This directive stems from the ERC's finding that Meralco had charged its customers amounts that were not authorized. "MERALCO is DIRECTED to refund the total amount of Nine Billion Five Hundred Six Million Five Hundred Sixty-Six Thousand Five Hundred Fifty-Six Pesos (PhP9,506,566,556.00) or an equivalent average refund rate for all customer classes in the amount of PhP0.3448/kWh," stated the ERC in its 28-page decision. The decision further specified that the P9.5 billion refund covers the unauthorized charges Meralco had levied on its customers. The refund scheme and its implementation are to be completed within a six-month period, or until such time that the total amount of over-recovery has been fully refunded to all customers. The ERC decision was promulgated on July 31, 2026. Under the ERC's order, the specific breakdown of the PhP0.3448 per kWh average refund rate per customer class is to be detailed. Meralco is directed to clearly present these rates as a separate line item on its monthly bills, to be labeled “AWAT (Refund)/Collect.” In addition to the refund mandate, the ERC has also ordered Meralco to submit monthly compliance reports. These reports are to be submitted on the 30th of every month until all overcharged amounts have been completely paid back to the customers. This action by the ERC highlights its role in overseeing utility billing and ensuring consumer rights are upheld.