Large industrial and commercial power users are expected to save on their electricity charges starting next month through the Meralco's Peak/Off-Peak (POP) Program.
In a statement, Meralco, the country's largest power distributor, said it will implement the POP Program — formerly known as Time-Of-Use (TOU) — starting February following the recent approval of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).
The statement quoted ERC as saying in its decision that "an initial evaluation of the instant application disclosed that Meralco's proposed revised TOU rates will address its social commitment to its customers, especially, its large industrial and commercial customers, by enticing them to invest in the country by way of just and reasonable costs of electricity."
It said the program “will help boost the country's economic condition which will ultimately redound to the benefit of the consumers."
Meralco said ERC's timely approval of the program will provide an alternative to a significant number of Meralco’s large corporate customers who were previous availees of Napocor's TOU and the Ecozone Rate Programs, which expired last December 26, 2012.
The company said that for old and new subscribers alike, implementation of the POP Program is set to begin on February 1, 2013.
"We, in Meralco, appreciate the approval made by ERC and are happy of this development for our customers,” said Meralco senior vice president for customer retail services and corporate communications Alfredo Panlilio.
He added that with the POP Program, “affordable electricity rate options continue to be available to customers, especially to our large customers who, through said Program, can help contain cost of production and remain competitive in their area of business."
Eligible to enrol in the program are non-residential customers with at least five kilowatts monthly average demand.
Customers availing of the POP rates are expected to experience savings of up to 10 percent on the average versus regular Meralco rates in their monthly bills depending on their peak and off-peak consumption.
Meralco, controlled by Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co., has over five million customers in its franchise area. — KBK, GMA News
source: gmanetwork.com
