• CHERYL G. CRUZ
The Negros Occidental Electric Cooperative said Feb. 14 that its average residential rate this billing month increased by P0.3409 per kilowatt-hour.
This means that member-consumer-owners (MCOs) in the Noceco franchise coverage of Pulupandan, San Enrique, Valladolid, Pontevedra, La Castellana, Moises Padilla, Isabela, Hinigaran, Binalbagan, Himamaylan, Kabankalan, Ilog, Candoni, Cauayan, Sipalay, Hinoba-an, and La Carlota City will be paying P14.5625/kWh, from the P14.2216/kWh rate in January.
“The primary driver of this increase is the continuous rise in the cost of Ancillary Services (AS), as reflected in the NGCP bill, which increased by P0.4942/kWh,” the Noceco management said in an advisory, adding that AS are essential for maintaining the stability and reliability of the power grid.
It said that while fluctuations in foreign exchange rates impacted the rates of some of its power suppliers, including the Iloilo-based Palm Concepcion Power Corp. (PCPC), GNPower, and Kepco SPC Power Plant (KSPC), these were offset by lower energy purchase costs in the spot market.
Power purchased from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market was at P5.2569/kWh this month, from P5.6434/kWh in January.
This resulted in a decrease of P0.1674/kWh in the generation charge, Noceco said.
“We understand that any increase in electricity cost can be a concern, and we want to assure you that we are working diligently to manage these fluctuations,” the distribution utility told its MCOs and reminded them to always be mindful of their electricity consumption as this can directly impact their bills.
Last month, Noceco’s residential rate also increased by P0.2673/kWh to P14.2216, from the P13.9543 rate in December. | CGC
