• CHERYL G. CRUZ
The Negros Occidental Electric Cooperative (Noceco) said Oct. 14 that its overall electricity rate this billing month has decreased by P1.6334 per kilowatt-hour, which means that consumers will pay P12.9131 from the P14.5465/kWh rate in September.
Noceco attributed the significant drop to the P4.0335/kWh decrease in spot market (WESM) energy prices, leading to a lower blended generation charge of P6.6117/kWh.
The price of electricity purchased from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market in September was at P11.1450/kWh.
“Although the transmission charge increased slightly by P0.2776/kWh due to higher ancillary service costs from the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, the overall rate reduction remains substantial,” the electric cooperative said in the advisory.
There were also minimal decreases in the cost of electricity supplied to Noceco by Iloilo-based Palm Concepcion Power Corporation (PCPC) and GNPower.
“We’re still awaiting approval from the Energy Regulatory Commission for our new power supply contract to reduce reliance on the volatile spot market, and potentially mitigate future rate increases,” Noceco said.
It called on consumers in Pulupandan, San Enrique, Valladolid, Pontevedra, La Castellana, Moises Padilla, Isabela, Hinigaran, Binalbagan, Himamaylan, Kabankalan, Ilog, Candoni, Cauayan, Sipalay, Hinoba-an, and La Carlota City to always be mindful of their energy consumption to manage electricity bills effectively.
Last month, Noceco’s average residential rate increased by P1.4845/kWh, from the P13.0620/kWh rate in August. | CGC
