Power distributor Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) may have to wait further before the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) issues approval for its proposed capital spending plan through 2030, with the regulator saying it needs more time to complete its review. ERC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Francis Saturnino C. Juan said he hopes to release the decision soon, as reported by BusinessWorld .
Meralco’s capital expenditure proposal covers investments in distribution infrastructure, grid modernization, and system reliability improvements over the next four years. The ERC review aims to determine whether the planned spending is prudent and in line with regulatory guidelines.
A delay in the rate review could affect Meralco’s financial projections and tariff adjustments, which are based on the approved capital spending. The utility serves over eight million customers in the Philippines’ main economic centers.