How Switching to a Cheaper Electricity Supplier Actually Works

The most common thing we hear from people who are interested in MyPowerhouse is some version of this:

"Sounds good, but how does it actually work?"

Fair question. So here it is, the complete, honest, plain-language guide to what happens after you upload your bill. No jargon. No fine print surprises. Just the actual process, step by step.

Before we start: one thing to know

Switching to a cheaper electricity supplier takes a few months from start to finish. Not because it's complicated on your end, most of the work happens behind the scenes, handled by us and your new supplier.

Your job is simple: upload your bill, confirm your details, and wait for your lower bill to arrive. Everything in between? We handle it.

Step 1

3 easy steps to sign up:

1. Enter your email and contact number.

2. Take a picture of the front and back of your Meralco bill.

   (You may also upload a photo from your gallery by tapping the + on the lower left corner.)

3. That's it! Just check your inbox for your confirmation email.

Step 2

Here's where the magic happens.

MyPowerhouse pools your consumption together with other households and businesses in your building or community. The more people who join, the stronger your group's collective purchasing power, and the better the rate we can secure for everyone.

You don't need to recruit anyone yourself (But it would be great to refer a neighbor!). We handle the outreach and organization. You just need to be part of the group.

Once your group reaches the required combined consumption, we move to the next step.

What you do: Nothing! We organize the group.

What we do: Build your community group and confirm eligibility

Step 3

With your group confirmed, we work with our licensed partner electricity suppliers to secure the best available rate for your community.

The result: a fixed discount on your generation charge — the largest part of your monthly bill. This discount is applied every billing cycle, for the duration of your contract.

Your rate is locked in. No fluctuations based on market conditions. No surprises.

What you do: Nothing!

What we do: Secure your fixed discount rate with a licensed supplier

Step 4

Once your rate is confirmed, MyPowerhouse and your new electricity supplier officially informs Meralco that you are switching.

Meralco continues to deliver electricity to your home through the same wires and infrastructure, nothing changes physically. They simply update their records to reflect your new supplier.

You may also sign a Connection Agreement with Meralco at this stage, a standard document that confirms they will continue delivering your electricity supply. We'll guide you through this if needed.

What you do: Sign the Connection Agreement

What we do: Coordinate with your new supplier and Meralco on your behalf

Step 5

Some households will need their electricity meter upgraded to a smart meter before the switch is complete.

A smart meter reads your consumption more frequently and transmits data automatically, it's a technical requirement for participating in the competitive electricity market. If your current meter needs upgrading, Meralco will replace it within 90 days.

A few things worth knowing:

You don't pay for this upfront. The cost is recovered through regulated distribution charges, not billed to you directly as a one-time fee.

There is no disruption to your electricity supply during the meter replacement. Everything stays on.

What you do: Allow Meralco access for meter replacement if scheduled

What we do: Coordinate timing with Meralco and keep you updated

Step 6

Once your meter is ready, the official switch takes effect on your next billing cycle.

You won't notice anything different in your home. The lights stay on. The appliances keep running. The only thing that changes is the number on your bill.

We'll notify you the moment your switch is confirmed and let you know exactly when to expect your first lower bill through your MyPowerhouse account.

What you do: Nothing, just wait for your lower bill

What we do: Notify you when the switch is complete

Key things to note:

1. There may be delays on replacing your meter

This is out of our control as your DU may need regulatory requirements and RES coordination to schedule your switch. We'll do our best to update you on the latest but there will be no disruption to your service due to this.

2. You will not pay for anything until the new bill arrives

If anyone solicits money on our behalf, that's not us because we don't charge anything to you for wanting to get cheaper electricity bills. Everything will be transacted on our platform, and you'll just need to pay your bills as is.

3. My Powerhouse is a platform, not an electricity provider

Your electricity supply is provided by the RES and delivered by the DU. We only help facilitate the transaction between you and them, but we will always help you coordinate with our partner suppliers (RES) who coordinate with the DU always.

Final Note: Switching to RAP may take a few months, but the rewards—lower bills, more choice, and long-term savings—make the journey worth it. And with My Powerhouse, you don't have to navigate the process alone.