Power rates down this month

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Lower spot market charges and cheaper fuel prices lead to generation charge reduction

OVERALL DECREASE MAY 2015 05.05.15 – May 2015 overall rate decrease infographic

The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) said that overall rates went down by PhP 0.70 per kilowatthour (kWh) this May. Said decrease is due to lower generation costs from all power suppliers of Meralco. 

For a typical household consuming 200 kWh, the overall electricity bill will go down by PhP 140. At PhP 9.98 per kWh, this month’s rate is lower by PhP 1.46 compared to May 2014’s PhP 11.44 per kWh.

Lower generation costs from all suppliers

Generation charge decreased by PhP 0.60 per kWh from PhP 5.41 per kWh in April to PhP 4.81 per kWh this month. The reduction was mainly driven by lower charges from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) and Independent Power Producers (IPPs), as well as a reduction in the National Power Corporation’s (NPC’s) Generation Rate Adjustment Mechanism (GRAM) collections. 

Cost of power obtained from the WESM decreased by PhP 4.19 per kWh due to less occurrences and shorter duration of power plant outages. The Luzon Grid remained on “normal” state throughout the period of the Malampaya shutdown.

Meanwhile, average cost of the Independent Power Producers (IPP) was lower by PhP 0.75 per kWh due to the improved utilization level of the QPPL power plant and cheaper fuel prices obtained by the First Gas plants. The effect of the Malampaya shutdown was moderated by lower prices of condensate and natural gas in the April supply month versus March. Malampaya natural gas underwent its quarterly repricing to reflect the lower cost of fuel. From $10.39 per gigajoule (GJ) the previous period, price of natural gas has been reduced by 19% to $8.44 per GJ. 

Average rates of plants under the Power Supply Agreements (PSAs) also decreased this month by PhP 0.06 per kWh. Finally, NPC’s collections of its GRAM similarly went down by PhP 0.06 per kWh.

The share of IPPs, PSAs, and WESM to Meralco’s total power requirements stood at 47, 43, and 10 percent respectively.

Adjustments in other bill components

In addition to the generation charge, taxes and other charges registered reductions of PhP 0.07 and PhP 0.08 per kWh, respectively. These offset a PhP 0.05 per kWh increase in the transmission charge.

Meralco reiterated that it does not earn from the pass-through charges, such as the generation and transmission charges. Payment for the generation charge goes to the power suppliers, while payment for the transmission charge goes to the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP). Of the total bill, only the distribution, supply, and metering charges accrue to Meralco.

Meralco’s distribution charge has not registered any adjustment and has remained at the same level for 10 months now or since July 2014.

RATES INFOGRAPHIC MAY 2015 05.05.15 – May 2015 overall rate decrease breakdown inforgraphic

Meralco supports Electrical Safety Month

Meralco also reminded its customers to observe electrical safety in line with its initiatives to support Electrical Safety Month.

The government has declared the month of May of every year as Electrical Safety Month. Meralco said it fully supports initiatives that raise public awareness and educate electricity consumers on the proper use of electrical appliances and gadgets so as to prevent and avoid electricity-related accidents.

Changes in Residential Bill 1 – Changes in residential bills, April vs. May 2015

For more electrical safety tips, customers may visit www.meralco.com.ph. 

They may also access Meralco’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/meralco) and Twitter account (@meralco).

TV5 surges with huge ratings for PBA Commissioner's Cup Finals Game 7

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If there was still any doubt as to why the Philippines is a bona fide ‘basketball nation’, then TV5’s live and exclusive airing of the still much talked about Game 7 between Talk ‘N Text and Rain or Shine during the PLDT Home Telpad PBA 2015 Commissioner’s Cup Finals should speak volumes on how much Pinoys just cannot get enough of the hardcourt action in the PBA.

With on-court controversies, off-court drama, new rivalries and the undeniably enthralling action between the two teams further hyping what was already an unprecedented match that marked a first in PBA history where a do-or-die Game 7 finals match would extend regulation to a double overtime, recent overnight data from Nielsen Media Research shows that the Kapatid Network’s coverage of the game raked in high viewership ratings, marking a total average of 6.2% AMR and 22.5% in audience share.

This proved to be more than enough to propel the telecast among the Top 9 most watched primetime shows, and the highest sporting program to be broadcast on that day in the National Urban TV Audience Measurement (NUTAM).

Aside from being the most watched offering of the Kapatid Network during the primetime block, it is also most worthy to note that at its peak, the game was watched by a whopping number of over 4.1 million viewers, with TV5 even lording over the ratings game against both ABS-CBN and GMA-7 within the channel’s coverage of the grueling overtime periods of the match. During this time, TV5 was able to rake in a remarkable average of 9.0% AMR and 34.1% in audience share.

The basketball fever was also clearly felt across all islands in the country, as translated by TV5’s dominance over the competition across key urban areas, including Urban Visayas and most especially in Urban Mindanao. The extended regulation of the Game 7 finals registered big numbers for the Kapatid Network with an average of 9.8% AMR and 37% in audience shares in Urban Visayas (compared to ABS-CBN’s 9.2% AMR, 34.6% shares; and GMA’s 3.0% AMR and 11.5% audience shares) and 9.8% AMR and 50% audience shares in Urban Mindanao (where ABS-CBN posted 6.4% AMR and 32.6% audience shares while GMA registered only 2.0% AMR and 10.4% shares).

With this historic game culminating what is arguably one of the most memorable PBA conferences in recent memory, hardcore fans and followers of the sport can look forward to even more edge-of-your-seat basketball action during the highly-anticipated 2015 PBA Governor’s Cup, as currently telecast on TV5, AksyonTV, Radyo5 92.3 News FM and via livestreaming on www.Sports5.ph.

LG Electronics and ABS-CBN bring the ‘Fight of the Century’ to more Filipinos

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As the most-talked-about battle planted a milestone in world history, global technology innovator LG Electronics partnered with ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation to let more Filipinos witness this momentous event live.

On May 3, 2015 at 8:00 AM (Philippine time), the epic match between Pinoy pride Manny Pacquaio and undefeated American Floyd Mayweather came to life and brought the whole world together to see which of these world boxing champions would reign supreme.

To ensure that Filipinos would not miss out on the experience, LG and ABS-CBN held live pay-per-view sessions for free in select public areas: City of San Jose Del Monte covered courts, Philippine General Hospital, Tahanang Walang Hagdan, Quezon City Jail and Philippine National Police. LG LED TVs were mounted across these sites for as many viewers as possible to see the fight in all its glory and impactful clarity. 

“We are pleased to team up once again with ABS-CBN in bringing the ‘Battle for Greatness’ to areas which may not initially have access to a live-stream,” LG Philippines Managing Director Sung Woo Nam said. “Even though Mayweather won this fight, Pacquiao won the hearts of many and did the Philippines proud. It was an exciting event to watch, and it was our privilege to enable more Filipinos to come together and take part in this one-of-a-kind occasion.”

For more details, visit www.lg.com/ph or www.LGnewsroom.com, like LG official Facebook page “LG Philippines” or follow @LGPhilippines on Twitter and Instagram.

Giving back to Mom with special gifts for the most women in our lives

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Do you have gifts for the most important women in our lives?

“When you’re young, it’s easy to take things for granted. Now that you’re older, it’s a chance for you to give back [to your parents]. Mother’s Day is a perfect chance to do so.” - RJ Buenaventura, Philips General Manager for Personal Health reflects.

Even through sleepless nights and the general stress of family life, your mother has always seen you through all of your ups and downs.

This Mother’s Day, take the opportunity to thank her. Invest in these gift ideas guaranteed to keep your mother beautiful inside and out. 

Surprise mom with healthy meals and more

“Mom’s lovingly prepared meals and snacks area huge part of any family, “says Philips Business Development Manager for Domestic Appliances Reah Ronsaryo. “If you want to surprise your mom, preparing her a great healthy treat is hard to top. Surprising her by letting her keep the latest innovative kitchen gadget is even harder to beat.”

The Philips food steamer is a sure hit with its amazing features. Make every dish mouth watering with its built-in aromatic infuser. Using the steamer is a real breeze with its 9-liter capacity, built-in timer and warmer settings. It also lets you know when it needs water and comes with a side spout for easy top-up. A warm treat for the warmest person you know!

One of the healthiest ways of cooking food, steaming ensures that your food keeps all the nutrients you need to stay fit and look your best. Many steamed fruits and vegetableslike broccoli contain an abundance of vitamin A and antioxidants that rejuvenate the skin and protect it from further damage.

If she’s into the sweet stuff, your mother will surely love smoothies, which aren’t just for summer afternoon treats anymore. In fact, you can have a body-boosting smoothie forevery day of the week if you’d like!

With its powerful 600w motor and extra-sharp blades, The Philips blender can blend its way through pretty much any smoothie idea you put your mind to! It also comes with multiple speed settings, so you get just the right blend every time. When you’re done with your sweet creation, the blender is also a breeze to clean with its easy to remove blade assembly.

Making the queen of your house look like a princess

“Who doesn’t want to feel pampered? If you feel good after spending some time on yourself, imagine what your mother would feel after having to take care of everyone for so long. Moms definitely need a break,” JC Gallegos, Philips Business Development Manager for Personal Care.

Bring out your mom’s inner beauty without her having to go through the hassle of a long trip to the salon!

The Thermoprotect Ionic Hairdryer gives your mom that salon-grade blow dry she’s always needed with 2200w of pure styling power. With variable speeds and ThermoProtect technology, hair dries quickly without the danger of overheating. Its ionic conditioning feature also keeps hair frizz-free and shiny all day.

Any mom should also confidently wear any clothes she wants. Make her feel and look good in skirts. Your mom’s legs will stay silky-smooth for days with the SatinSoft Epilator. 

Optimized for both wet and dry use, the epilator fits into any woman’s routine and comes with easy to clean caps for and hypo-allergenic construction for maximum hygiene.

When asked about this coming mother’s day, RJ says: “Make mother’s day great. Give her the gift of health and pamper her. She only deserves the best.”

LG introduces first-of-its kind Dual Door-in-Door refrigerator

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Global technology innovator LG Electronics continues to expand its line-up of premium and practical refrigerators as it launches another first in the market, the Dual Door-in-DoorTM (DID) refrigerator.

Dual Door-in-Door™ makes use of LG’s award-winning door-inside-refrigerator-door concept, doubling convenience over its single Door-in-Door™ counterparts. Powered by LG’s Inverter Linear Compressor, the refrigerator is energy efficient, runs quietly, and serves as a durable, long-lasting addition to any kitchen.

A beautiful display piece

Encased in a diamond black stainless steel finishing with a cutting-edge touch display system, this sophisticated appliance sports two mini-doors, each seamlessly mounted on top of the unit’s main top doors, allowing owners to store and conveniently locate frequently consumed food and drinks. The refrigerator comes in an expertly crafted design which is aesthetically pleasing and ideal for any kitchen and home interior.

Smart and functional

The Dual DID feature also allows users to open the refrigerator without exposing its entire interior, thus minimizing the loss of cold air, which is now even made crisper with the upgraded Hygiene Fresh+TM air purification system. The right Door-in-Door™ compartment is accessible from the outside with the simple push of a button allowing it to be used as a ‘family space’. The left Door-in-Door™ compartment can be opened by a handle at the bottom of the door and serves as a designated ‘cooking space’, ideal for storing essential cooking ingredients such as previously prepared vegetables, condiments and sauces.

Accessible through both the Door-in-Door™ as well as the main door, the incredibly convenient Tilting Basket is also located within the ‘cooking space’ on the left side of the refrigerator. Both Door-in-Door™ compartments are also equipped with Moving Baskets, enabling users to easily adjust the height of the internal compartments as they see fit.

The area at the bottom of the main compartment is inefficient dead space in most refrigerators. However, LG makes use of this dead space through its groundbreaking Extra Space™ compartment which opens up a new area in the refrigerator ideal for storing small food items such as eggs, cheese and sliced deli meats. Moreover, with the Folding and Sliding Shelves, storing food items of any shape or size has never been more convenient. LG’s comprehensive organization system also extends to the freezer section’s EZ Ice Maker and Easy Pull Drawer that is easy to open and can safely support heavy items.

LG Philippines Home Appliances Vice President Youngmin Chae said, “LG always wants to be at the forefront of technology that is responsive to consumers’ need. We don’t stop at one innovation, and the LG Dual DID refrigerator is a testament to that.”

Well-designed, convenient and energy efficient, the LG Dual DID refrigerator which retails for P159,995.00 encapsulates all that is needed from a central home appliance.

For more information about LG’s Door-in-Door Inverter refrigerator lineup, visit www.lg.com/ph, like LG’s official Facebook page “LG Philippines”, or follow @LGPhilippines on Twitter or Instagram.