Residents and businesses in central Negros will see higher electricity bills this September as Negros Electric and Power Corp. (Negros Power) announced an adjustment in its rates, attributing the increase to external market factors and higher supply costs.
The average residential rate for September is P12.2775 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), up by P0.7715 per kWh from August’s P11.5060 per kWh.
Commercial consumers, meanwhile, will be charged P12.38 per kWh.
According to the utility, the increase was primarily driven by the higher cost of power supply following tight conditions in the Visayas grid last month.
A series of yellow alerts, triggered by thinning reserves, pushed up prices in the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market, where distributors source part of their supply.
In addition to generation charges, power delivery costs and ancillary service fees, which are expenses tied to ensuring the grid’s stability and reliability, also went up.
Negros Power clarified, however, that its distribution, supply, and metering charge remains steady at P0.89 per kWh, underscoring that the increase stems from factors beyond its direct control.
“We understand how important affordable electricity is for every household and business, and we know that any increase in your monthly bill can be a burden,” the company said, assuring customers of its commitment to transparency and operational efficiency.
Negros Power added that it continues to push for a more stable and affordable energy supply for the region, noting efforts to optimize internal operations and engage with suppliers and regulators to help temper future fluctuations. ||
