THE Department of Energy (DoE) has asked Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) to explain the rationale for projecting that electricity rates could rise by 8 centavos per kilowatt hour (kWh) as early as February.

In an interview on Friday, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said his department sent Meralco a letter asking on how the listed power distribution utility computed the rate increase under Republic Act 10963, or the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (Train) Act.