As of February 11, 2025, Meralco’s electricity rate for typical households has climbed to PHP 12.0262 per kWh, nudging your wallet with an extra PHP 0.2834 compared to the previous month. This price hike adds another plot twist to the ongoing saga of consumers trying to juggle their energy expenses without dropping their financial sanity.

With the Philippines’ signature tropical flair and sauna-like humidity this summer, we turn to our trusty handheld fans or aircons for relief. While they cool us down, they also crank up our Meralco bills. With Earth Day on April 22 approaching, now is the perfect time to reassess our energy habits and show some love to Mother Earth.

Before migrating permanently to the nearest mall or coffee shop for free air conditioning, let’s understand the wattage whims of our everyday appliances. By mastering the art of energy efficiency, we can keep our wallets as cool as a halo-halo on a hot afternoon and give the planet a little extra breathing space.

 

 

“WATT THE FACT!?”

 

By knowing how much energy each appliance uses, you can make smart choices to manage your home’s energy use and keep those bills from getting too high. So, here’s a straightforward list: appliances ranked from the least to the most power-hungry. We’ve included their typical power usage in kilowatts per hour (kWh) and some easy tips to help you save even more.

 

15. Incandescent Bulb: Approx. PHP 0.60 per hour
• 0.06 kWh (60 watts)
• CFL bulb: 0.014 kWh (14 watts)
• LED bulb: 0.01 kWh (10 watts)
Hack: Replace incandescent bulbs with LED bulbs, which use less energy.

14. Television: Approx. PHP 0.50–1.50 per hour
• LED TV: 0.05-0.15 kWh depending on size and model
Hack: Lower the brightness settings and turn off the TV when not in use. Consider using a power strip to disconnect multiple devices easily.

13. Computers: Approx. PHP 0.20–0.50 per hour (laptops), PHP 1.70–3.50 per hour (desktop)
• Laptop: 0.02–0.05 kWh
• Desktop: 0.15–0.30 kWh
• Monitor: 0.02–0.05 kWh
Hack: Enable energy-saving modes, turn off your computer, and monitor when not in use.

12. Microwave Oven: Approx. PHP 0.13–0.25 per minute (PHP 8 per hour)
• 0.8–1.5 kWh
Hack: Use the microwave for short cooking times and avoid repetitive reheating by coordinating meal prep.

11. Electric Stand Fan: PHP 0.50 per hour
• Stand fan: 0.05 kWh (50 watts)
Hack: Opt to use rechargeable portable or handheld fans whenever convenient.

10. Rice Cooker: Approx. PHP 15–20 for boiling full kettle
• 0.4–0.7 kWh during cooking phase
Hack: Use the right size of rice cooker for your needs and unplug it once cooking is done.

9. Electric Iron: Approx. PHP 10–14 per hour
• 1.0–1.4 kWh while heating
Hack: Iron clothes in bulk to minimize heat loss between sessions.

8. Electric Kettle: Approx. PHP 15–20 for boiling whole kettle
• 1.5–2.0 kWh during heating
Hack: Heat only as much water as you need and descale regularly for efficiency.

7. Blow Dryer: Approx. PHP 10–20 per hour
• 1.0–2.0 kWh, depending on heat settings
Hack: Towel-dry hair as much as possible before using the blow-dryer, and use the cool setting to reduce energy consumption.

6. Refrigerator/Freezer: Approx. PHP 24–80 per day
• 0.1–0.8 kWh, depending on size and efficiency
Hack: Keep the fridge full but not overcrowded to maintain efficient cooling. Regularly defrost freezers.

5. Washing Machine: Approx. PHP 3–20 per load
• 0.3–2.0 kWh per load, depending on temperature settings
Hack: Wash full loads using cold water whenever possible and use high-efficiency detergent.

4. Oven/Stove: Approx. PHP 10–50, depending on the setting
• Electric oven: 1.0–5.0 kWh depending on temperature and duration
• Electric stove burner: 1.0–1.5 kWh
Hack: Use glass or ceramic cookware, which retains heat better and reduces cooking time.

3. Shower Heater: Approx. PHP 20–50 per use
• 2.0–5.0 kWh, depending on power rating and usage time
Hack: Heat water using an LPG stove and a timba and tabo to regulate the use of heated water better.

2. Clothes Dryer: Approx. PHP 20–50 per load
• 2.0–5.0 kWh per load
Hack: Air dry clothes when possible, and clean the lint filter after each use to improve efficiency.

1. Air Conditioner: Approx. PHP 5–15 per hour (window), approx. PHP 10–25 per hour (split-type)
• Window unit: 0.5–1.5 kWh
• Split-type: 1.0–2.5 kWh, depending on BTU rating and usage time
Hack: Set the thermostat to 25°C (77°F) or higher for optimal efficiency, and use timers to control usage.

 

Amidst the price hike mentioned, here’s a silver lining to bring you hope: Senator Risa Hontiveros has vowed to champion consumer rights by addressing overcharging issues, pushing for reduced electric bills, and ensuring that any overcharged fees are returned to Meralco customers.

But for now, we hope this short guide will give you practical knowledge to outsmart your power meter. Soon, you’ll be expertly balancing comfort and cost as you embrace the sunny season without breaking a sweat—or the bank!