Meralco kWh Rate Today: Breakdown of Generation Charges

As of May 2026, the latest announced Meralco residential electricity rate is approximately ₱14.3496 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), based on the April 2026 billing advisory.

This represents an increase of ₱0.5335 per kWh compared to the previous month. The adjustment mainly came from higher generation charges caused by rising fuel costs, peso depreciation, and increased electricity demand during the summer season.

For households consuming 200 kWh monthly, this translated to an additional charge of around ₱107 on their electric bill.

Rates may vary slightly depending on billing cycle dates and customer classification.

Generation charges refer to the cost of electricity purchased by Meralco from power suppliers. These suppliers include:

• Independent Power Producers (IPPs)
• Power plants under Power Supply Agreements (PSAs)
• Renewable energy suppliers
• Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM)

Meralco does not produce electricity itself. Instead, it buys power from generators and passes the cost directly to consumers without markup.

In April 2026, generation charges increased to approximately ₱8.3864 per kWh, making it the largest contributor to higher electricity bills nationwide.

Your Meralco bill contains multiple components. Here’s a simplified breakdown of where your payment goes:

1. Peso Depreciation

One of the biggest factors behind the increase in electricity prices was the weakening of the Philippine Peso against the US dollar.

Many power supply contracts are dollar-denominated, especially natural gas and coal supply agreements. When the peso weakens, electricity generation costs rise.

2. Higher WESM Prices

The Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) experienced price increases due to tighter supply conditions and rising demand across the Luzon grid.

According to Meralco disclosures, WESM charges rose significantly because of increased electricity usage during the dry season.

3. Increased Summer Consumption

Electricity usage normally spikes during summer months because households use:

• Air conditioners
• Electric fans
• Refrigerators
• Cooling appliances

Meralco stated that electricity demand may rise between 20% and 33% during hotter months.

Meralco purchases electricity from several suppliers under different arrangements.

Actual percentages may vary monthly depending on supply conditions and procurement needs.

Because generation charges account for more than half of your bill, even small increases can significantly affect total electricity costs.

Example:

This explains why households immediately feel the impact whenever Meralco announces generation charge adjustments.

Although electricity rates fluctuate monthly, you can reduce your total bill through energy efficiency practices.

• Set air conditioners to 25°C
• Unplug appliances when not in use
• Use LED lighting
• Iron clothes in batches
• Clean air conditioner filters regularly
• Avoid overloading refrigerators

You can also estimate your expected charges using our Meralco Bill Calculator .