The National Electrification Administration (NEA) has reported that a majority of electric cooperatives in the country are able to provide cheaper electricity rates than the Manila Electric Company (Meralco), despite having fewer resources and operating in remote areas.
NEA Administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda said that out of 121 electric cooperatives nationwide, 90—or about 74%—charge lower rates than Meralco, the country’s biggest power distributor.
“This is something that deserves commendation. The electric cooperatives have proven that they can offer more affordable electricity to Filipino consumers even compared to Meralco,” Almeda said in a radio interview.
From January 2024 to June 2025, these cooperatives kept their rates between ₱1.00 and ₱4.00 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) lower than Meralco’s, based on NEA’s comparative analysis. These co-ops operate in areas such as BARMM, CARAGA, the Cordillera Administrative Region, and Regions 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, and 12.
Meanwhile, consumer advocacy groups and energy watchdogs have continued to call out Meralco for its high power rates. In July, the company raised its charges by ₱0.4883 per kWh, bringing its total rate to ₱12.6435 per kWh—the highest in Southeast Asia.
The issue has been raised before. In 2023, PHILRECA Representative Presley De Jesus questioned why Meralco’s prices remain high when smaller electric cooperatives can keep rates low despite limited facilities.
“If we compare to Meralco, these cooperatives are so small. Meralco holds essentially a mega franchise with the largest captive market,” De Jesus said.
He pointed out that Meralco’s large customer base and modern facilities should be bringing rates down, not driving them up.
Currently, Meralco serves around 8 million customers across 39 cities and 72 municipalities.
