Consumer group criticizes Meralco's P19B refund plan

A consumer group criticized Meralco's plan to refund P19 billion overcollected from customers between July 2022 and December 2024.

NASECORE, a consumer group, urged Meralco to return the entire amount in one lump sum rather than spreading it out over three years.

Senator Risa Hontiveros welcomed the refund but described it as inadequate compared to the estimated P100 billion that Meralco has overcollected since 2011.

ERC Chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta clarified that the refund will be prospective, based on future consumption starting April up to the next 35 months.

Former ERC Commissioner Alfredo Non believes the refund should be computed based on actual consumption from 2022 to 2024 and multiplied by P0.20/kwh per month for three years.

Meralco spokesperson Joe Zaldarriaga defended the company's decision, stating it aligns with ERC’s ruling while urging critics to read the full details of the refund plan.