Meralco Q2 energy sales volume edges up on warmer weather

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.

Initial data showed that 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 relations and services, said in a Viber message over the weekend.

“Detailed analysis is still ongoing but the increase is mainly driven by warmer temperatures with the onset of El Niño,” she added.

She noted that the preliminary figures have yet to include volumes attributable to Clark Electric Distribution Corp. and Shin Clark Power Corp.

Earlier, Meralco Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Manuel V. Pangilinan said he is optimistic the company will surpass its 2025 net income of P50.6 billion.

He said the company expects stronger performance as its distribution business records higher energy sales volumes, while its power generation segment benefits from the rollout of the P200-billion MTerra Solar Project and the continued expansion of its retail electricity supply business.

“The DU (distribution utility) volumes are back up in May and June — ahead of last year. In May, it was ahead by 4%, which is quite good. In June, probably 2-3% ahead of last year,” he said.

Meralco reported a 1.8% decline in energy sales volume in the first quarter as cooler weather dampened electricity demand. The company had earlier said it expected volumes to recover beginning in the second quarter.

For 2026, Meralco expects energy sales volume to grow by 1% to 2%.

Meralco is the country’s largest private electric distribution utility, serving more than 8.2 million customers across Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

Beacon Electric Asset Holdings, Inc., Meralco’s controlling shareholder, is partly owned by PLDT Inc. Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., has an interest in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group, which it controls. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera