Power generation charges may slightly increase in December because of the peso depreciation and higher fuel prices, according to an official of Manila Electric Co.
“There is a strong likelihood of a slight increase in the generation charge for December. While spot prices remained low, the depreciation of the peso [from around 48.40 a dollar in October to 49.70 in November] and higher fuel prices will probably push up the gen cost,” Meralco senior vice president and head of utility economics Lawrence Fernandez said.
Meralco, the country’s biggest power distributor, is expected to announce the actual generation charges Wednesday.
Meralco costumers experienced lower rates in November with the rate for a typical household going down by P0.0781 per kilowatt-hour to P8.26 per kWh.
Generation charges declined P0.0502 per kWh in November to P3.8436 per kWh from P3.8938 per kWh in October.