Meralco, San Miguel petition ERC to be allowed to charge higher rates

Meralco and the San Miguel Corporation have asked the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) that they be allowed to charge higher for the electricity they distribute.

According to Maki Pulido's report on "24 Oras", the firms cited the increase in prices of coal and natural gas materials used to produce electricity.

“Worst case, the absence of this capacity could lead to consequences such as insufficient supply which may lead to power interruption,” Meralco spokesman Joe Zaldarriaga said.

The ERC said it was still in the process of evaluating the petition.

“Rest assured that in resolving this matter, the commission will bear in mind its primary duty of protecting consumer interest as they are affected by the rates,” the ERC said in a statement. -Richa Noriega/NB, GMA News