MANILA ELECTRIC Co. (Meralco) posted a slight increase in energy sales volume in the second quarter, driven mainly by warmer temperatures associated with the onset of El Niño, according to initial data reported by BusinessWorld.
Energy sales volume rose by 0.6% year on year to 14,495 gigawatt-hours (GWh), Charina P. Padua, Meralco senior vice-president and head of customer, said in a statement. The warmer weather increased demand for cooling, boosting electricity consumption across Meralco's franchise area.
The utility giant's performance in the first half of the year may also benefit from continued economic activity and population growth. However, the full impact of El Niño on power demand remains uncertain as the phenomenon could also lead to supply constraints in some areas.