MORE Power, Negros Power cut May electricity rates

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

Two major Western Visayas distribution utilities announced lower electricity rates this May, offering consumers some relief despite upward price pressures linked to the ongoing conflict among the United States, Israel, and Iran.

The war in the Middle East has rattled global energy markets, pushing up crude oil benchmarks and adding cost pressure on coal-fired generation that supplies much of the Philippine grid.

MORE Electric and Power Corp. (MORE Power) said Monday it will reduce rates by 27 centavos per kilowatt hour (kWh) this month.

The cut brings the residential rate down to PHP 11.8710 per kWh from PHP 12.14 per kWh in April. The commercial rate also dipped to PHP 11 per kWh from PHP 11.27 per kWh.

MORE Power said its generation charge rose by 5 centavos per kWh due to higher coal prices and freight costs, but the company was able to lower overall rates by sourcing cheaper supplies.

“We strive to provide our consumers with the best electricity rates despite the challenges we are currently facing,” said Roel Castro, president and CEO of MORE Power.

“As the heat index rises this summer, consumers are encouraged to practice mindful electricity use, since greater appliance demand can lead to higher bills,” Castro added.

Customers of Razon-led Negros Electric and Power Corp. (Negros Power) will see a steeper 86-centavo per kWh rate cut for the same month.

The utility’s average residential rate dropped to PHP 11.3808 per kWh from April’s PHP 12.2463 per kWh.

Negros Power attributed the reduction to a 53-centavo per kWh decrease in generation charges, which usually account for more than half of power bills. Transmission costs also fell by 15 centavos per kWh.

“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, who also serves as Negros Power president and CEO, said in a statement.

“Our goal is always to ensure that power remains as affordable as possible while maintaining the stability and reliability of our services,” he added.

Negros Power is a joint venture between Primelectric Holdings Inc. and Central Negros Electric Cooperative.

The firm committed in 2025 to an initial investment of PHP 2 billion over five years to boost its distribution system.