ERC orders Meralco to refund ₱2.64 billion to customers for overcharges in the first half of 2026
The ERC ordered Meralco on Monday to make an initial refund of ₱2.64 billion to consumers for the January to June 2026 period, averaging ₱0.1020 per kilowatt-hour (Manila Times). Philstar said the money is to be returned over six months and offers temporary relief as higher distribution charges take effect, and BusinessWorld reported the approval (Philstar, BusinessWorld). The exact billing start date was not in the reports reviewed.
Power is one of the largest household bills, and regulators decide whether charges collected were justified. A refund shows how oversight can change what customers finally pay.
If you are a Meralco customer, look for a credit on coming bills. Households with higher consumption should see a larger share.
The regulator’s order protects consumers from charges later found excessive.
The refund is described as temporary and comes as distribution charges rise, so total bills may not fall.
A refund is not a lower rate. Compare the credit with the new distribution charge on your bill before concluding that costs have fallen.
DailyDrop Philippines edition No. 9 · Morning · TUE., OCT. 13, 2026