Good news for Visayan Electric customers: Residential rates are to drop by P0.49/kilowatt-hours (kWh) for March-April billing.
According to the utility company, consumers will enjoy lower electricity bills as Visayan Electric reduces rates to P10.64/kWh from last month’s P11.13/kWh. A household using 200 kWh can expect to save at least P98 this month.
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Rates drop for the fourth straight time
This marks the fourth straight rate cut since December 2024, driven by lower electricity costs in the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) and a slight reduction in transmission charges from the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP).
Last February to March, Visayan Electric reduced residential rates by P0.13/kWh, lowering the total to P11.13/kWh. Despite higher transmission costs, lower electricity prices at WESM and an ERC-mandated refund of P0.1101/kWh helped drive the decrease.
From January to February, Visayan Electric lowered residential rates by P0.25/kWh, bringing the total to P11.26/kWh. The decrease was fueled by lower electricity prices at WESM, which also contributed to the P0.68/kWh reduction in the previous billing cycle from December to January.
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Scorching days ahead
Though electricity bills were lowered, Visayan Electric still advises consumers to use energy wisely, especially with rising temperatures increasing demand.
Engr. Raul Lucero, Visayan Electric’s president and COO, warned that rising temperatures can drive up electricity use “as people rely more on cooling appliances. This can still result in higher electricity bills if not managed efficiently,” he said.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has recently reported that several areas in the Philippines are experiencing dangerously high heat index levels.
Notably, Dagupan City in Pangasinan is expected to reach a heat index of 47°C, while Tuguegarao City in Cagayan, Virac in Catanduanes, CBSUA-Pili in Camarines Sur, and Butuan City in Agusan del Norte could see temperatures up to 43°C.
Although Cebu is not currently among the areas with extreme heat indices, Visayan Electric advises consumers to take precautions against the heat. Recommendations include staying out of direct sunlight, opening windows for natural ventilation, and wearing thin, light-colored clothing to stay cool without significantly increasing electricity usage.
Sources:
https://www.visayanelectric.com/post/residential-rate-down-by-p0-13-kwh-for-feb-mar-billing
https://www.visayanelectric.com/post/residential-rate-down-by-p0-25-kwh-for-jan-feb-billing
https://www.visayanelectric.com/post/residential-rate-down-by-p0-68-kwh-for-dec-jan-billing
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/residential-rates-drop-by-p049kwh-for-march-april-billing