• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Electricity consumers in the Visayas could see a significant reduction in power rates, following the implementation of the Secondary Price Cap (SPC) under Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) Order No. 2026-048-MC.
According to Negros Electric and Power Corp., the ERC order indicates an average 54 percent reduction in electricity prices in the Visayas, if the SPC is applied.
The 54-percent figure, however, represents the average reduction across the Visayas and does not necessarily reflect the actual decrease that will be experienced by individual consumers or Negros Power customers.
Negros Power said the exact reduction in electricity rates will only be determined after the release of the final settlement bill from the Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines for the September 2026 billing period.
The power distributor also informed consumers that the delivery of their September electric bills only began on the 22nd of the month due to adjustments arising from the implementation of the ERC order.
Despite the delay in bill delivery, meter reading will continue according to the regular schedule.
The company said consumers’ due dates will automatically be extended based on the date their respective bills are delivered. | GPB
