VECO raises May 2026 power rate amid higher generation costs, grid alerts

Local

By Carmel Pedroza

VISAYAN Electric Company Inc. (Veco) announced that its residential electricity rate for May 2026 reached P12.88 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), reflecting an increase of P0.31/kWh from the April rate.

The utility attributed the adjustment mainly to higher generation costs brought about by rising global fuel prices.

Veco also noted that the series of Red and Yellow Alerts declared by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) in the Visayas Grid contributed to the challenging power supply situation. The alerts stemmed from thin operating reserves and elevated system demand across the region.

“Our priority has always been to protect our customers from sudden and significant increases, even as we face these external market volatilities and grid stability challenges," said Mark Anthony Kindica, Veco President and General Manager.

“While fuel prices and inflation remain beyond our control, we continue optimizing our supply portfolio and operations to help cushion customers from sharper increases,” he added.

To address the grid supply constraints, Veco said it has been coordinating closely with power generators and the Department of Energy (DOE).

The company also implemented operational measures, including its Interruptible Load Program (ILP), to help maintain reliable service and ensure Cebu’s power requirements are prioritized despite limited reserves in the Visayas Grid.

Veco encouraged consumers to remain mindful of their electricity usage, particularly during peak hours, stressing that energy efficiency remains one of the most effective ways for households to manage expenses amid high demand and global energy market uncertainties.(MyTVCebu)