CONSUMER groups filed criminal charges against Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) officials and Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) executives for allegedly violating laws that led to higher electricity rates. At that time, Meralco PowerGen Corp., a unit of Meralco, owned 40 percent of FPM Power Holdings. Since Meralco obtained its franchise in 2003, the power rates “have steadily and surely have been increasing,” the complaint said. Last week, Meralco announced a P1.08 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) hike in electricity rates, primarily due to a higher generation charge. The groups claimed the four ERC commissioners conspired with Meralco in the form of over-charging, and gave undue favor or advantage to Meralco’s seven power supply agreements (PSAs) with its sister companies.

Source: Manila Times February 11, 2018 17:37 UTC