By Alena Mae S. Flores – March 18, 2023, 1:40 am from manilastandard.net Consumer groups have asked the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to closely monitor any power rate changes in the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) franchise area following the decision of San Miguel Corp. to terminate its 2021 power supply contracts with the distributor. Former ERC commissioner Alfredo Non also said Meralco consumers are supposed to enjoy lower rates based on his computation of refunds totaling about P100 billion. SMC Global Power Holdings, Inc. on Friday decided to terminate its power supply agreements with Meralco totaling 1,800 megawatts that were supposed to be delivered starting in 2024. SMC has not issued a statement why it decided to withdraw from the PSA as of press time, although sources told the Standard its 2021 Power Supply Agreement with Meralco has not yet been approved by the ERC.