Manila, Philippines – Think first before switching on those wonderful, twinkling Christmas lights. Or, if it can’t be avoided, limit at least their twinkling time outside.

Why? It may not really be that delightful this Christmas Season as power distributor Manila Electric Company (Meralco) announced an increase of P0.3044 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) starting this December.

It was learned the December hike would be equivalent to P60.88 on households consuming 200 kWh per month; P91.32 for those consuming 300 kWh per month; and P121.76 for 400 kWh and P152.20 for 500 kWh per month.

“This is the third monthly increase in Meralco rates after the upward adjustments in October and November” said Meralco in a statement.

“The overall rate for a typical household consuming 200 kWh increased to P9.8623 per kWh this December from last month’s P9.5579 per kWh. The adjustment of P0.3044 per kWh will mean an increase of around P61 in the typical household’s total electricity bill,” he added.

Meralco explained that the increase in electricity rates by more than 30 cents/kWh this December was due to electricity price hikes in the spot market due to twice the increase in yellow alert in Central Luzon last month and higher generation charges.

Power prices from Independent Power Producers (IPPs) increased by P0.1106 / kWh and P0.0987 / kWh from Power Supply Agreements (PSAs).

In line with this, Meralco continues to encourage its customers to conserve electricity. (Marian Sinamban/IAMIGO/CNS)