Power rates increase in April

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MANILA — Electricity rates increased by 27 centavos kilowatt (kWh) per hour this month in the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) franchise area.

The increase was expected following the 30-day maintenance shutdown of the Malampaya gas platform off Palawan which will last until April 14.

This has caused several gas-fired power plants to turn to alternative fuels in anticipation of the shutdown.

It also forced major gas-fired power plants to use more expensive liquid fuel.

The increase means that the overall electricity rate will increase at about P10.68 per kWh in April for a typical household consuming 200 kWh.

The rate is a bit higher than the P10.41 per kWh last month.

Meanwhile, average users’ rate is still lower  by 81 centavos per kWh compared to the year-ago rate of P11.49 per kWh recorded April last year.