At least 90 electric cooperatives nationwide charge lower electricity rates compared to the Manila Electric Company (Meralco), the country’s largest power distributor, according to the National Electrification Administration (NEA).
NEA Administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda said that based on the agency’s data, 90 out of 121 electric cooperatives, or about 74%, offer more affordable power rates than Meralco.
This is despite Meralco operating in urban areas with advanced infrastructure, while most cooperatives serve remote communities with limited financial and operational resources.
From January 2024 to June 2025, these cooperatives maintained electricity rates that were P1.00 to P4.00 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) lower than Meralco’s, according to NEA’s comparative analysis.
These cooperatives operate in various provinces, including those in BARMM, CARAGA, Cordillera Administrative Region, and Regions 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, and 12.
“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.
Consumer groups and energy watchdogs have repeatedly criticized Meralco over its high power rates. In July, the company implemented another rate hike of P0.4883 per kWh, bringing its overall rate to P12.6435 per kWh, currently the highest in Southeast Asia.
This is not the first time Meralco’s rates have been called into question. In 2023, PHILRECA Representative Presley De Jesus also raised concerns, noting that smaller cooperatives were able to offer lower prices despite having fewer resources.
“If we compare to Meralco, these cooperatives are so small. Meralco holds essentially a mega franchise with the largest captive market,” said De Jesus.
He argued that despite Meralco’s extensive customer base and modern facilities, which should allow it to lower rates, electricity prices have continued to rise.
Meralco currently serves around 8 million customers across 39 cities and 72 municipalities.
