POWER DISTRIBUTION utility Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) said power rates should go down for the month with cheaper electricity from hydroelectric power plants sidelined by the dry spell early this year expected to come in to the power grid.

Meralco Chief Operating Officer Oscar S. Reyes said in an interview continuous rains should allow the listed company to obtain cheaper energy.

“We’re hoping the rains continue to provide the hydro generating plants the opportunity to offer more capacity to the system and put pressure on prices in the coming months. If the dams are able to go back up to their safety levels, then the higher dispatch of hydro plants should help the pricing situation,” said Mr. Reyes.

Meralco, however, did not say how much the power generation charge would go down for the month. The generation charge for the month of August has yet to be announced by Meralco.

Generation charges account for around 60% of household electric bills, and are influenced by prices at the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market or WESM.

Mr. Reyes said prices at the WESM have increased by P4.44 per kilowatt-hour so far this year.

Meralco earlier said it was looking to add more capacity to the tight WESM supply by going into power generation. The company said WESM prices had been increasing because of lack of power supply.

Mr. Reyes said the company was also promoting energy efficiency so its customers would be able to lower their own electricity bills.

“Our intent is to have customers reduce or contain electricity expense.

Aside from [obtaining] more cost-competitive power from existing generators or new capacities, we will continue with our efforts to make customers aware in terms of reducing electricity consumption through energy-saving tips and advisories,” he said.

“[We will also continue] demand-side management, [by] being able to help specific customers become more efficient in their energy consumption,” said Mr. Reyes.

The company is also encouraging customers to use the “time of use” program which helps customers contain electricity expenses with lower rates during off-peak hours. -- E. N. J. David

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