Negros Power rates down in May due to lower generation and transmission costs, potentially bringing relief to consumers facing rising living expenses.
In an advisory, Negros Power said the average residential electricity rate for May 2026 dropped to P11.3808 per kilowatt-hour (kWh). This is lower by P0.8655/kWh compared to April’s P12.2463/kWh.
The lower rates could help ease the financial burden on households facing continued economic pressures.
According to Roel Castro, NEPC president and CEO, the lower rates come at an important time for households managing higher living costs.
“This month’s reduction in electricity rates is welcome news for our consumers, especially at a time when many households are still managing rising costs of living,” Castro said.
He added:
“Our goal is always to ensure that power remains as affordable as possible while maintaining the stability and reliability of our services.”
Lower generation charges contributed to May rate reduction
The decrease was mainly attributed to lower charges from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM).
WESM charges declined from P5.8677/kWh to P5.0432/kWh during the billing period. This represents a reduction of P0.8245/kWh.
Castro explained that the decline was largely influenced by market suspension under Executive Order No. 110, Series of 2026. The order declared a state of national energy emergency amid global fuel supply disruptions and rising oil prices.
As a result, generation charges posted an overall decrease of P0.5332/kWh for May.
Meanwhile, the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) suspended the P0.0371/kWh GEA-ALL charge for May and June 2026 billing periods following an advisory issued on May 8.
Transmission charges also moved lower
Aside from generation costs, transmission charges for residential consumers also declined.
Transmission charges dropped by P0.1506/kWh, from P1.3657/kWh in April to P1.2151/kWh this May.
Castro emphasized that both lower generation and transmission charges contributed to the decrease.
“Overall, the decrease in electricity rates for May 2026 is primarily driven by lower generation and transmission charges,” Castro said.
The Negros Power rates down in May announcement highlights how changes in generation and transmission costs can directly affect residential electricity bills. For consumers, lower charges may offer some relief even as broader economic pressures continue.
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