LOWER RATES. The country's biggest power retailer announces lower electricity bills in February. Photo from AFP

MANILA, Philippines – Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) consumers will enjoy lower electricity bills in February.

Meralco said on Thursday, February 7, the generation charge went down by 55 centavos per kilowatt-hour (kWh) to P5.24, the lowest since September 2011.

The reduction stemmed from lower rates charged by the new suppliers the utility firm tapped following the expiration of its contract with state-owned National Power Corp.

Meralco said there were also reductions in system loss charges and taxes.

In all, households consuming 200 kWh will see a 58-centavo per kWh or P116 reduction in their bills this month.

Meralco does not earn from pass-through charges, the largest of which is the generation charge. The generation charge accrues to the power suppliers. – Rappler.com