• CHERYL G. CRUZ
Member-consumer-owners (MCOs) of the Negros Occidental Electric Cooperative will pay P14.5465 each kilowatt-hour of electricity consumed this billing month, or an increase of P1.4845/kWh, from the P13.0620/kWh residential rate in August.
The more than one peso increment is primarily due to increased transmission and generation charges, Noceco said in an advisory Sept. 12, adding the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines raised ancillary service charges, leading to a P0.6018/kWh hike in transmission charges.
These charges are essential for maintaining grid stability and reliability, the electric cooperative (EC) explained. “Additionally, generation charge has risen by P0.5688/kWh compared to the previous month, further contributing to the overall rate increase.”
Noceco said there was also a P2.5091/kWh increase in the cost of electricity it purchased from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market, or from P8.6359 in August to P11.1450/kWh as per the September trade.
“We are 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,” the EC management said.
Last month’s average residential rate decreased by P3.0514/kWh, from the P16.1134 rate in July, as the price of electricity purchased from WESM stood at P6.3907/kWh.
Noceco, meanwhile, reminded MCOs to be mindful of their energy consumption to avoid paying high electricity bills. “Noceco appreciates the understanding of MCOs as it continues to seek solutions to address the challenges posed by rising electricity prices within the power industry.”
Noceco serves electricity 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. | CGC
