Do You Have the Right to Choose Where Your Electricity Comes From?

Most of us never question our electricity bill.

The number shows up. We pay it. We move on.

But here's something worth knowing: the Philippine government has been quietly building a system that gives electricity consumers the right to choose where their power comes from and to pay less for it.

It's not widely talked about. Most people have never heard of it. But it affects your bill every single month.

The basic idea: electricity doesn’t have to come from one place

For a long time, electricity in the Philippines worked like this: whoever your local utility was your only option. You took whatever rate they set. No negotiation. No alternatives. No choice.

The government decided this wasn't ideal.

Starting with a landmark energy law in 2001, the Philippines began opening up its electricity market, allowing consumers to choose their electricity supplier the same way they choose their internet provider or their mobile network.

The goal: more competition, better prices, and a more efficient energy system for everyone.

So who can choose?

This is where it gets practical. The right to choose your electricity supplier is currently open to two groups of consumers, and they work slightly differently.

Group 1: Large electricity users

Large commercial establishments, think factories, big office buildings, shopping malls, that consume electricity above a certain level can directly negotiate with a supplier of their choice. They compare offers, pick the best deal, and switch. Their local utility still delivers the electricity but the price they pay for it is no longer set by default.

As of June 26, 2026, the government lowered the minimum consumption requirement, opening this up to significantly more businesses than before; including medium-sized hotels, schools, and commercial buildings that previously didn't qualify.

Group 2: Everyone else, through a group

Smaller consumers: ordinary households, small businesses, apartment units, don't individually consume enough to qualify on their own. But they can pool their consumption together with others in the same building or community and collectively access the same right.

This is where platforms like MyPowerhouse come in. We organize the group, handle everything on your behalf, and make sure your household gets the same benefit that large electricity consumers have always enjoyed without any of the complexity.

What does this actually mean for your bill?

Your electricity bill has two main parts:

The first part covers the cost of delivering electricity to your home, through the wires, the poles, and the meter. This stays with your distribution utility (e.g. Meralco) regardless of what you do.

The second part, and the largest part, covers the cost of the electricity itself. This is what gets produced at a power plant before it ever reaches you. This second part is the only thing that changes when you switch suppliers. And when you switch to a cheaper one, this part goes down.

Same wires. Same connection. Same reliability. Just a lower bill.

Why does any of this matter?

Because competition works.

When businesses and households have the freedom to choose their electricity supplier, suppliers have to compete for that business. And when suppliers compete, prices go down and service improves.

Where MyPowerhouse fits in?

MyPowerhouse was built specifically to make this right accessible to everyday Filipino households and businesses, not just the biggest players in the market. We organize communities of consumers, pool their consumption, invite suppliers to compete for their business, and pass 100% of the savings directly to you.

Fixed 20% discount on your generation charge. Zero switching fee. No installation. No interruption.

The right to choose has always existed. We just make it possible for everyone.

Ready to use your right? Upload your bill at mypowerhouse.ph and our team will walk you through the rest.