Keeping lights on amid global uncertainty

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March 12, 2026 | 12:00am

The rising tensions in the Middle East are sending shockwaves through global energy markets, and the Philippines -- being a major oil?importing nation -- is feeling the impact.

Just days after Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz disrupted key supply routes, fuel prices surged with double?digit increases. Electricity costs were likewise affected, with the Department of Energy warning that electricity rates could rise by as much as 16 percent.

In response, President Marcos has directed all government offices to implement stricter energy conservation measures and urged Filipinos to do the same as part of a nationwide effort to manage the impact of these global developments. Soon after, government agencies adopted a four-day work week, with the private sector urged to consider the same, given that demand management is one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to safeguard stability in times of global volatility.

A day after President Marcos made the call for energy conservation, Meralco chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan, or MVP, announced that the distribution utility is conducting a review of its fuel position to assess the impact of the Middle East conflict.

“We want to ensure adequate supply of power and manage price volatility as responsibly as possible. Have made it clear to the team that we must help protect consumers as cost of goods rises globally,” MVP said in a social media post.

Ronnie Aperocho, Meralco’s chief operating officer, detailed the measures the company is taking to help mitigate the impact of the ongoing tensions in the Gulf region.

In a statement, he said: “We are closely coordinating with our power suppliers to keep generation charges at least?cost while prioritizing reliability across our system. We are optimizing our energy mix and fully leveraging cost-efficient sources, regardless of technology. In addition, we are carefully managing our exposure to the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM), where price volatility is high. We will also secure lower-cost replacement power whenever needed.”

Meralco also echoed the government’s call of energy efficiency to its customers, noting that the ongoing Middle East conflict coincides with the approaching dry season, when power demand historically is at its peak.

Aperocho said the company is providing practical guidance and technical support to help industrial and commercial customers improve efficiency in their operations. He added that Meralco continues to call for more participants in the Interruptible Load Program (ILP), where large customers with their own generators can voluntarily de?load from the grid when needed.

Households are also empowered with information to manage electricity consumption. In these uncertain times, we all play a role to promote stability by practicing energy efficiency. At its core, energy efficiency is a form of bayanihan. It is about sharing the responsibility of safeguarding our energy future. Energy efficiency and conservation are not merely technical; it is moral. In times of scarcity, the discipline to conserve reflects solidarity.

By embracing simple energy efficient practices, households can play an active role in managing demand while reaping economic benefits through greater control over their electricity bills.

Among these practices are unplugging appliances when not in use, utilizing natural light whenever possible, refraining from overfilling refrigerators, ironing clothes in bulk, regular cleaning of air conditioner filters and electric fan blades, as well as optimized temperature settings for air conditioners. Meralco PowerLab studies have shown that setting your air conditioner to 25°C is generally more energy-efficient than lower temperatures while also balancing comfort.

As global tensions create new uncertainties, the importance of collective action in strengthening the country’s energy security has become even more evident.

For more than a century, Meralco has been closely linked to the nation’s growth, providing power to schools, hospitals, factories and homes through periods of conflict, crisis and recovery. Its continued role in sustaining daily life and economic activity remains central to the country’s development.

With global energy markets under pressure once again, Meralco has reiterated its focus on maintaining reliable service, communicating openly with consumers and supporting the government’s push for greater energy efficiency. These efforts reflect the company’s long?standing approach to navigating external challenges while helping customers manage their consumption.

As Meralco marks its 123rd year, this commitment to service and responsibility- grounded in its tradition of malasakit -- remains a defining part of how it operates in an increasingly complex energy environment.