Visayan Electric to increase rates for November-December billing

Local

RESIDENTIAL consumers in Metro Cebu will feel the pinch of a P1.03 per kilowatt hour (kWh) hike in their electricity rates for the November to December billing cycle, pushing the cost to P12.19 per kWh from the previous P11.16.

The increase, implemented by Visayan Electric, means households consuming 200 kWh can expect to pay at least an additional P206 as the holiday season drives up energy demand.

Visayan Electric attributed the rate hike to increased generation costs resulting from line constraints in the Luzon-Visayas Link.

These constraints have led to the dispatch of higher-priced power plants, particularly oil-powered facilities, to meet the demand in the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM), a trading venue for electricity.

The company also cited elevated transmission costs driven by rising ancillary service charges as another factor behind the increase. These ancillary services are critical for maintaining grid stability and ensuring efficient operations during periods of peak demand.

With the Christmas season approaching and energy usage expected to climb, Visayan Electric President and COO Raul Lucero urged consumers to keep a close watch on their electricity consumption to avoid unexpected spikes in their bills.

He highlighted that simple measures, such as switching off lights and unplugging appliances when not in use, could significantly help manage household energy costs during the holidays.

Aside from encouraging energy conservation, the power distributor also advised residents to take extra safety precautions as weather disturbances become more frequent. Visayan Electric recommended trimming trees near power lines to help prevent outages and ensure public safety.

The company offers free tree-trimming services for trees that could pose a risk to power lines. Customers can request this service by calling 230-8326 or sending a message on Visayan Electric's Facebook page.

The rate hike underscores the need for mindful energy use and proactive safety measures, especially as the festive season approaches, bringing with it an expected surge in electricity consumption.(MyTVCebu)