• CHERYL G. CRUZ
The Northern Negros Electric Cooperative also announced a decrease in its average residential rate this billing month of March, following notices from Negros Power and the Negros Occidental Electric Cooperative.
In its advisory March 21, Noneco said that its member-consumers will pay P13.5982 each kilowatt-hour of electricity consumed, or a decrease of P0.6707 from last month’s rate of P14.2689/kWh.
“The decrease is primarily driven by the reduction in the Ancillary Service (AS) charge billed by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines from the Reserve Market, at P0.4875/kWh,” it added.
AS are essential for maintaining the stability and reliability of the power grid.
The decrease in the prices of power purchased from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market also contributed to lower rate this month, Noneco said, adding that fluctuations in foreign exchange rates and fuel costs likewise affect the rates of its power suppliers – the Palm Concepcion Power Corp. and FDC Misamis Power Corporation.
This is the first residential rate decrease this year for Noneco consumers in E.B. Magalona, Victorias, Manapla, Cadiz, Sagay, Escalante, San Carlos, Toboso, and Calatrava.
Last month, Noneco increased its rates by P0.9087/kWh, and by P0.2476/kWh in January. | CGC
