Visayan Electric posts 5th straight monthly power rate increase, caps August rate hike at ₱0.06/kWh

Local

VISAYAS Electric recorded its fifth straight monthly increase in residential electricity rates in August.

However, the utility limited the adjustment to just ₱0.06 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), significantly lower than the ₱2.10/kWh increase it said could have resulted from prevailing power supply constraints across the Visayas Grid.

The adjustment brings the residential rate to ₱14.96/kWh this month, instead of the projected ₱17.00/kWh.

For a household consuming about 200 kWh a month, the increase would mean an additional ₱12 on the bill.

In a statement, Visayan Electric said its efforts to cushion the impact saved consumers an estimated ₱420 in potential additional charges.

The August increase marks the fifth consecutive monthly rise in electricity rates since April, reflecting continued pressure on power costs in Metro Cebu.

Visayan Electric attributed the latest movement primarily to higher prices at the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market, increased transmission charges resulting from higher ancillary service costs, and ongoing supply shortages affecting the Visayas Grid.

The utility said it coordinated with the Energy Regulatory Commission and its power suppliers while implementing measures aimed at reducing the impact of the market pressures on consumers.

Visayan Electric President and General Manager Mark Anthony Kindica said the company remains committed to minimizing the effect of unstable power market conditions on households.

“We understand the importance of every peso to our customers,” Kindica said in a statement, adding that the company continues to optimize its power sourcing to keep rate adjustments as low as possible.

Kindica also expressed hope that cooler weather during the upcoming “Ber” months would bring down electricity demand, contribute to more stable market prices and eventually reduce pressure on consumers’ monthly bills.

As rates remain subject to fluctuations, Visayan Electric advised consumers to conserve electricity by keeping air conditioners at 24°C to 25°C, unplugging unused appliances and electronic devices, and tracking household consumption through its appliance calculator.(MyTVCebu)