FEBRUARY 19, 2026 — The chill of the amihan season is fading, and with it goes the free “aircon” nature has been giving us since October. As PAGASA signals the end of the northeast monsoon, Meralco is already reminding households: brace yourselves, the hotter months mean heavier electricity bills.

Meralco spokesman Joe Zaldarriaga explained that consumption typically spikes by 20 to 33 percent during summer as Filipinos turn to cooling devices to survive the heat. Air conditioners, in particular, become power-hungry when the ambient temperature rises. 

To put things in perspective, here’s the math: a 1-hp aircon costs about ₱1.82 per hour at 28°C, but Meralco warns that usage can double at night and triple during the day once the summer sun kicks in. Even the humble electric fan, at ₱0.89 per hour, adds up when it’s running all day. And don’t forget the rice cooker — ₱4.37 per use — a reminder that it’s not just cooling appliances that drive up costs.

More fans whirring, more aircons humming, more washing machines spinning — each choice adding pesos to the monthly statement. For families already tightening their belts, the looming increase in consumption is a real concern.

But here’s where things get interesting. The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) recently said that the proposal to subsidize electricity bills for households consuming 135 kilowatt-hours or less per month is “doable.” 

ERC Chairman Atty. Nino Juan even assured, “Kaya yan! magagawan yan ng mga mekanismo para talagang maisakatuparan at maging matagumpay at mafocus natin dun sa talagang objective na mabigyan ng ayuda yung mga nangangailangang consumers natin.” 

(That can be done! Mechanisms can be created to make it successful and focused on the real objective of giving aid to our consumers in need.)

If this pushes through, it could be a game-changer for low-income households, especially those already benefiting from the lifeline subsidy program under the 4Ps. Imagine: a 100 percent discount for those consuming up to 50 kWh monthly, or a 20–35 percent discount for those under 100 kWh in Meralco’s franchise area. Relief, at least for some, is on the horizon.

Still, the bigger picture remains: summer is coming, and with it, the inevitable surge in electricity demand. The government may step in with subsidies, but for most of us, the challenge is practical — How to stay cool without burning a hole in the wallet?

(Image: Pexels)