Meralco clarified that the “additional” charges appearing on electricity bills are not company-imposed fees but government-mandated “pass-through” costs that are collected and remitted to various agencies and energy funds.
The utility firm said these charges are transparently itemized in bills and are implemented by all distribution utilities and electric cooperatives nationwide.
Meralco Vice President Joe Zaldarriaga explained that the costs include subsidies such as senior-citizen discounts, the lifeline rate for low-income households and 4Ps beneficiaries, and renewable-energy-related charges.
He stressed that these mechanisms are required by law and are designed to support vulnerable sectors and promote the country’s shift to cleaner energy.
The company added that the lifeline rate is grounded in existing laws, including Republic Act No. 1152, which ensures electricity assistance for qualified marginalized consumers.
Source: PhilNews24 | April 27, 2026
MERALCO CLARIFIES “ADDITIONAL” BILL CHARGES AS GOVERNMENT-MANDATED PASS-THROUGH COSTS
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