All three distribution utilities in Negros Occidental have reported a reduction in average residential power rates for July mainly as a result of lower generation charges.
These include the Northern Negros Electric Cooperative (Noneco), Central Negros Electric Cooperative (Ceneco) and Negros Occidental Electric Cooperative (Noceco).
In a statement yesterday, Noneco said the power rate for July is P12.5564 per kilowatt hour (kWh), lower by P0.1542 compared to P12.7106 per kWh in June.
This is due to a decrease in the generation rate of P0.1542 per kWh and a reduction of 1.21 percent in the cost of electricity with the decrease in the ancillary service charge of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, according to the statement.
Noneco covers the localities in the northern part of the province from E.B. Magalona town down to San Carlos City.
In an advisory, Ceneco said for the billing month of July, its rate decreased by P1.1902 per kWh to only P11.5933, from the previous month’s P12.7835.
Acting general manager Arnel Lapore said generation charges decreased by 11.22 percent due to the reduction in Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) price in June.
There is also a decrease in other pass-through charges such as lifeline, senior citizen, and value-added tax, he added.
“The Ceneco board and management continue to remind electricity consumers to conserve energy to avoid paying high electricity bills while the world market fuel prices remain volatile, hence adversely affecting electricity rates,” Lapore said.
The Ceneco coverage area includes the cities of Bacolod, Bago, Silay and Talisay as well as the municipalities of Murcia and Don Salvador Benedicto.
In southern Negros, Noceco reported a reduction of P1.3746 per kWh, bringing the July rate down to P13.3741 per kWh, from P14.7487 in June.
“The drop in total electricity rates is driven by the total generation charge which decreased by P1.1643 per kWh compared to last month,” its management said.
According to Noceco, the main factor in the lower generation charge is the P2.2862 per kWh decrease in the WESM cost. (PNA)