Lowest Electricity Rates in Western Visayas: A Look at Negros Power (NEPC) and MORE Power
When it comes to energy, residents in Western Visayas and Negros Island have something to smile about – lower electricity rates! Thanks to the relentless efforts of Negros Power (NEPC) and MORE Power, consumers are enjoying some of the most affordable electricity in the region. In today’s world, where costs seem to be rising on all fronts, their dedication to keeping prices down is a much-needed relief. Let’s take a closer look at what these two companies are doing to maintain these affordable rates.
The Power Players: Negros Power (NEPC) and MORE Power
MORE Power, the primary electricity provider for Iloilo City and nearby areas, has consistently been at the forefront of delivering affordable energy. For September 2024, the residential rate from MORE Power is set at P12.61 per kilowatt hour (kWh). What’s even better? It’s a slight decrease from the previous month, all thanks to their intelligent power procurement strategies. Their generation charge, a critical part of your electricity bill, sits at a competitive P6.76/kWh, the lowest across Panay and Guimaras. This means that residents in these areas aren’t just seeing lower bills but also getting reliable Power.
On the other hand, NEPC-CENECO (serving Central Negros) also delivers, with a residential rate of P11.70/kWh. This remains the lowest in the entire Western Visayas and Negros Island region, despite some increases in generation costs. So, while other areas are seeing spikes in their bills, those served by NEPC-CENECO are enjoying the cheapest electricity around.’
Why Are Rates Going Up Elsewhere?
Have you ever wondered why electricity rates fluctuate? It boils down to two main factors: generation and transmission charges. These are basically the costs that power companies incur to bring electricity to your homes, and they pass these costs directly to consumers. Lately, both have been on the rise, largely due to higher prices in the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) and the resumption of Ancillary Services in the Reserve Market.
Despite these challenges, Negros Power (NEPC) has decreased its rates through efficient power procurement strategies. As Mr. Jonathan Cabrera, their spokesperson, put it:
“As a distribution utility, there is no increase in the distribution charge. As we all know, generation charges constitute a significant portion of our total electricity rates per kilowatt hour. We remain steadfast in our commitment to efficient electricity supply trading in the market, ensuring that we secure the most competitive prices to deliver affordable rates to our consumers.”
So even when market prices rise, Negros Power (NEPC) is doing its best to prevent those increases from hitting your wallet.
The Future with Negros Power
You might have heard about Negros Power recently, especially if you’re in Bacolod City. This new player is shaking things up in the local energy scene. Primelectric Holdings Inc., the company behind Negros Power, has big plans for improving electricity services in the area, including a 5-year rehabilitation plan for Bacolod City. However, Negros Power is still waiting for the Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), which is required for them to take over operations fully.
For now, CENECO is still handling the billing operations, while Negros Power focuses on the management, operation, and maintenance of the facilities. But once the CPCN is secured, you can expect even more improvements in service and infrastructure in Bacolod.
How Do Other Providers Stack Up?
While Negros Power (NEPC) and MORE Power are leading the charge for affordable energy, other cooperatives in the region haven’t been as lucky. Rising generation and transmission costs have led to significant increases in residential electricity rates in many areas.
Let’s take a quick look at the numbers for September 2024:
These rates are not just affordable, but also stable, providing a sense of security to the consumers. This stability is largely due to the strong procurement and power trading strategies these companies employ.
What Lies Ahead?
Looking ahead, it’s clear that Negros Power (NEPC) and MORE Power’s efforts to keep electricity rates affordable are paying off. With Negros Power set to take complete control after getting its CPCN, residents in Central Negros can look forward to a future filled with continued improvements in service and infrastructure. For now, people living in Iloilo and Bacolod can rest easy knowing that, despite the national trend of rising energy costs, they are benefiting from some of the lowest electricity rates in the region.
So, next time you open your electricity bill and notice it’s a little lower than expected, you know who to thank: MORE Power and Negros Power (NEPC)! Their commitment to efficient power procurement and stable distribution charges means savings for you, which we can all support.
More Article about Negros Power:
Advancing Energy in Negros: NEPC 5-Year Power and Development Plan
Negros Power’s Takeover: A Timely Solution to CENECO’s Power Woes
Behind the Brownouts: How Fixing Hotspots Helps Avoid Major Power Failures