14/05/2026
Meralco's threats of cracking down on so-called "guerilla" solar installations are gravely concerning, especially given rising power faced by Filipino consumers.
Rooftop solar installations are increasingly becoming the more sought-after solutions for the current energy crisis as renewable energy technology becomes cheaper and more accessible for everyday Filipinos.
However, Meralco, one of the biggest power generators and distributors in the country, has remained adamant in its opposition to these installations by specifically pointing to safety concerns and calling for the implementation of more stringent technical standards.
Meralco is not a regulator. It is a for-profit business who has a stake in maintaining its dominance of the energy market and limiting any competition, including its very own customers.
The Department of Energy and the Energy Regulatory Commission should have the conclusive say on how consumers should approach their own energy choices, especially with regard to affordability and sustainability.
Amidst the onerous fees and costs that Meralco is imposing on its customers, the rising price of fuel and energy generation, and the impending climate catastrophe, Meralco's public pronouncements come off as attempts to quash competition to its monopoly as an electricity provider than as genuine concern for the people it services.
Nonetheless, this does highlight the need for the administration to urgently address the environmental and economic sustainability of our current national energy framework.
The continued reliance on fossil fuels in the Philippines means that profits by utility monopolies like Meralco are derived from processes that have caused great harm to our environment and climate.
We must continue to fight for an immediate and sustainable transition to renewable energy, with ensured support and subsidies for communities to embrace energy alternatives, especially solar energy.
๐ท P4P - Power for People Coalition
