Negros Power Holds Down Electricity Costs Despite Rising Market Rates

If you are living in Negros Occidental, here’s some good news for your monthly electricity bill. Negros Power has announced that residential consumers will only see a very slight increase this August 2025. The new rate is set at Php 11.50 per kilowatt hour, up by just Php 0.13 compared to July’s Php 11.37. In the middle of all the rising costs we have been dealing with lately, this tiny bump is quite a relief.

Why The Increase Happened

You may wonder why there was still an increase. The adjustment is mainly due to the higher costs in the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market, also known as WESM. This is where electric distribution utilities like Negros Power buy a portion of their supply. Prices in WESM jumped from Php 4.88 per kilowatt hour to Php 5.46, which translates to an increase of Php 0.58. Usually, that kind of surge would result in a noticeable hike in our electricity bills.

But here’s where Negros Power’s strategies kicked in. Through effective supply management and smart cost mitigation, the company was able to soften the blow. Instead of passing on the full effect of market volatility to consumers, they worked on ways to minimize the adjustment. That is why residents are only seeing a slight increase instead of a much bigger one.

A Helping Hand From The Transmission Sector

The transmission side of the energy chain also played a role in keeping the increase manageable. The Ancillary Services Reserve Market charge, which helps maintain grid stability, went down from Php 622.77 per kilowatt to Php 599.12. This Php 23.65 reduction trimmed about Php 0.02 per kilowatt hour from residential rates. It might sound like a small amount, but every centavo counts when it comes to electricity costs.

Updated Rates For August 2025

For those who want a clearer picture, here are the average electricity rates this month:

• Residential: Php 11.50 per kWh
• Low Voltage: Php 11.56 per kWh
• High Voltage: Php 10.47 per kWh

So, if you are a household consumer, your bill will reflect the Php 11.50 rate, while business owners with low or high voltage connections will follow the respective rates.

Commitment To Consumers

What stands out in all of this is Negros Power’s assurance to its customers. The company emphasized its focus on transparency and its determination to shield households from unpredictable energy market movements. Electricity is a basic necessity, and sudden spikes can be difficult for families and businesses to manage. That is why Negros Power has put a strong emphasis on implementing measures that cushion the impact of market-driven increases.

What This Means For Households

For the average household in Negros Occidental, this update means stability. While we are not completely spared from an increase, the adjustment is minimal compared to what it could have been. This is particularly important in today’s economic climate, where every peso saved matters.

It also highlights the importance of responsible energy consumption. Even with a minimal increase, being mindful of our usage can go a long way in keeping bills under control. Simple habits like unplugging unused appliances, switching to energy-efficient lighting, and managing air conditioning use can help households save even more.

Looking Ahead

The energy market is always subject to fluctuations. Prices in WESM and other supply sources can rise or fall depending on demand, supply conditions, and even weather patterns. What consumers can take comfort in is the commitment of Negros Power to continue finding ways to protect households from sudden surges.

For now, the Php 0.13 increase is something most families can adjust to. But moving forward, it will be interesting to see how Negros Power maintains this balance between supply challenges and consumer welfare.

Future Outlook on Power Rates

Electricity bills are something none of us can avoid, but it helps to know when our provider is working to keep costs manageable. With Negros Power’s latest announcement, residents of Negros Occidental can breathe a little easier knowing the increase in their power bills this August is just 13 centavos per kilowatt hour.

It may be a small change on paper, but it reflects a bigger commitment to protecting households from the unpredictable swings of the energy market. That is definitely something worth appreciating.