The Negros Electric and Power Corp. rates are up by P0.8794 per kilowatt hour this April.
The power rates increased from P11.4766/kWh in March to P12.3563/kWh in April, a press release from Negros Power said.
It attributed the increase to the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) prices that doubled from P3.5383/kWh to P6.6865/kWh in April.
The increase in WESM prices, driven by a combination of lower supply and higher demand this summer, was attributed to power plants planned and forced outages reducing the electricity available.
It also cited increased electricity demand due to extreme heat that started in the first week of March, which led to a 5.9 percent increase in energy demand in Visayas.
This mismatch between supply and demand significantly impacted electricity prices, Negros Power said.
Electricity consumers in the Visayas are facing a significant increase in their bills this April as summer heats up, with the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) prices nearly doubling compared to previous months, it said.
Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines (IEMOP) said the significant surge started in the first week of March 2025.
WESM prices in the Visayas increased by 95.5 percent, and this trend continued in the succeeding summer months.
Negros Power said consumers can take steps to reduce their energy consumption by adopting the following:
- Use energy-efficient appliances: Opt for energy-saving features and Energy Star ratings;
- Turn off lights and electronics when not in use: This simple habit can significantly reduce energy consumption;
- Use fans instead of air conditioners: Fans use significantly less energy than air conditioners;
- Keep windows and blinds closed during the hottest parts of the day: This helps prevent heat from entering your home; and
- Adjust your thermostat: Setting your thermostat a few degrees higher can save energy without sacrificing comfort.*