P0.38 decrease for may to june billing: Power rate rollback

CEBU, Philippines — Power consumers can expect a decrease of P0.38 per kilowatt hour in their May to June billing due to lower prices of coal and transmission charges.

Visayan Electric said the decrease brings the power rate from P14.25/kWh to P13.87/kWh.

“This means that an average household that consumes at least 200 kWh per month will save P76.00 in their next bill,” the power utility company said in a statement.

Despite the decrease in residential rates for the billing month of May to June, Visayan Electric has advised power consumers to conserve electricity amid the hot weather condition in Cebu.

Earlier, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) announced an 80 percent probability of El Niño happening by June, which may persist until the first quarter of 2024.

Historical data shows that temperature is one of the main reasons for increases in the use of electricity, and as a result, an increase in the demand for power.

“Whenever the temperature is hot, especially during the dry season, consumers tend to use their cooling appliances more,” Visayan Electric said.

Visayan Electric President and Chief Operating Officer Raul C. Lucero emphasized the importance of saving electricity, especially during the dry season or when temperatures are high.

“At the start of the dry season, we saw an increase in demand for electricity. With the El Niño looming, it is expected that temperatures might continue to rise and that is why it is very important for us to be mindful of our electricity consumption and save electricity as much as we can,” Lucero said.

Among the ways to conserve electricity is to unplug appliances that are not being used, turn off lights and use natural light whenever possible, and make sure that cooling appliances such as air conditioners and electric fans are well maintained to ensure energy efficiency. — (FREEMAN)