The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) conducted a pre-trial conference on March 10 as part of its ongoing proposed distribution rate reset review of Manila Electric Company (Meralco) for the First Regulatory Period covering Regulatory Years of 2027-2030.

Meralco had previously filed its application for approval for its Annual Revenue Requirement (ARR), Performance Incentive Scheme (PIS), and Smoothed Maximum Average Price (MAP). The proposal also covers the translation of MAP into different distribution rates for various customer classes under the Rationalized Rules for Setting Distribution Wheeling Rates (RRDWR) pursuant to ERC Resolution No. 24, Series of 2025.

For the Regulatory Year of 2027, Meralco had proposed a MAP of PHP 2.3436 per kilowatt-hour (kWh). This is roughly equivalent to distribution, supply, and metering charges of PHP 1.8142, PHP 0.2705, and PHP 0.2589 per kWh, respectively.

During the pre-trial conference, the parties discussed key issues and addressed certain procedural matters in preparation for smoother succeeding hearings.

Representatives of Meralco also noted their denial of the proposed stipulations of facts submitted by the intervenor, the National Association of Electricity Consumers for Reforms, Inc. (NASECORE). The utility said it did not receive the intervenor’s pre-trial brief prior to the conference.

The conference also allowed stakeholders, consumer groups, and other parties to raise comments and seek clarifications from the Commission regarding the case.

“This pre-trial conference allows facts and issues to be consolidated so that proceedings can be resolved as quickly as possible,” ERC Chairperson and CEO Atty. Francis Saturnino C. Juan said.

The pre-trial conference follows an earlier public hearing held on March 3, where the ERC began reviewing Meralco’s proposed distribution rates for 2027-2030. The hearing allowed stakeholders and consumer groups to examine the utility’s proposed Maximum Average Price and other regulatory components before the Commission proceeds with further deliberations.

The succeeding hearings for the Meralco rate reset application are scheduled on April 6-8 and April 13-16, 2026.

How might Meralco’s proposed rate reset affect electricity consumers in the coming regulatory period?

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