Lower power rate in Metro Cebu this March

Local

METRO Cebu households can heave a sigh of relief this March as Visayan Electric reduces residential rates by P0.49 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for the billing cycle until next month.

In an advisory on Monday, March 17, 2025, the utility company said the adjustment lowers the total charge to P10.64/kWh from P11.13/kWh last month, allowing a household consuming 200 kWh to save around P98 on its electric bill.

Visayan Electric credited the lower rates to reduced generation charges from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) and a slight decrease in transmission costs from the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP).

This marks the fourth consecutive rate drop since December 2024.

Even with the lower charges, Visayan Electric President and COO Raul Lucero reminded customers to use electricity wisely, particularly as temperatures continue to rise.

He noted that cooling appliances such as air conditioners and electric fans consume more power during hotter months, leading to higher bills despite lower rates.

He advised consumers to set air conditioners to 25°C, use electric fans to circulate cool air, and unplug unused appliances to prevent unnecessary power consumption.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration recently recorded dangerously high heat index levels in some areas of the country.

Although Cebu has not been included, Visayan Electric encouraged residents to maximize natural ventilation, wear light-colored clothing, and avoid prolonged sun exposure to reduce reliance on cooling devices.

This electricity rate cut follows the Metropolitan Cebu Water District’s (MCWD) earlier announcement of adjusted water rates that make residential consumption more affordable despite a 38 percent base rate increase.

While electricity rates decline, Metro Cebu households are also seeing lower water bills despite MCWD’s 38 percent base rate hike, which the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) approved.

By integrating the Power Cost Adjustment (PCA) and Purchased Water Adjustment (PWA) into the base rate, MCWD reset these charges to zero, softening the impact of the increase on residential users.

A household consuming 10 cubic meters per month now pays P213.95 instead of P343.07, saving P129.12. Those using 21 cubic meters see their bills drop from P741.14 to P478.22, cutting costs by P263.22.

Although residential consumers benefit from lower water bills, commercial and industrial customers, who consume more water, continue to pay higher rates.

MCWD defended the adjustment as necessary to sustain operations and fund infrastructure expansion, especially since bulk water procurement costs have risen significantly.

In Lapu-Lapu City, residents will notice an additional environmental fee on their bills to support the city’s Septage Treatment Plant.

MCWD assured consumers that the adjustments will help stabilize water supply, improve services, and address Metro Cebu’s increasing demand.(MyTVCebu)