#meralco refund order

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has given an order directed to Manila Electric Company (Meralco) to refund its customer for over PHP 21.8 billion of distribution-related charges. Thus, the current total refund rate—including the latest refund order—now amounts to PHP P1.8009/kWh—about PHP 360 refund for residential customers who consume 200kWh. On the other hand, Meralco said it would act in accordance with the ERC's decision, and that the latest refund would be implemented on the next billing cycle (July 2022) from Meralco's receipt of cited decision. We are currently studying the order so we can start reflecting this in the power bills this month,"  Meralco vice president and head of corporate communications, Joe Zaldarriaga said in a statement. The ERC said Meralco's earlier refunds will be implemented until 2023. The Court of Appeals has placed a TRO (temporary restraining order) on the demand of the NTC for a refund of almost Php7 billion to subscribers. Last May, the NTC has ordered all telcos to refund their subscribers for over-charging after a decision was made back in 2011 that SMS should only cost Php0.80 instead of Php1.00. The appeal has now been granted due to several reasons: * Telcos claim that the NTC has no power to make such orders for a refund. Read more in our articles including "ERC orders Meralco to refund distribution-related charges amounting to Php21.8B" and "Court of Appeals stops refund order of NTC".