Why Your Power Bill’s Going Up This Summer and What You Can Do About It
Let’s address the pressing issue of skyrocketing electricity bills that are hitting us all a bit too hard. If you’re in the Visayas region, you’ve likely felt the pinch of your monthly power costs rising faster than the summer heat. It’s not just a figment of your imagination. Prices in the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) have nearly doubled this April, and many households and businesses are feeling the heat, both from the weather and their bills.
So, what’s really going on? And more importantly, is there anything you can do about it? Let’s break it down in the most real-talk way possible.
What’s WESM and Why Should You Care?
Think of WESM as where electricity is bought and sold in bulk — like a stock market, but for power. When prices go up there, it eventually shows up in your electric bill. And right now, WESM prices in the Visayas have surged by 95.5 percent compared to the previous months. That’s nearly double, friends.
The Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines (IEMOP) says this started in early March and has continued into April. The cause? A perfect storm of problems.
Why Is It Getting So Expensive?
Here’s the deal. There are two primary reasons this spike is happening:
1. Power Plant Outages
Some major power plants, especially those running on coal and natural gas, had planned maintenance. Sounds routine, right? But some also broke down unexpectedly, leaving the grid short on supply.
2. Scorching Summer = More Demand
We all know how brutal the summer heat can get in the Philippines. That heat increased electricity demand by nearly 6 percent, with the region needing a whopping 13,670 megawatts of power. That’s a lot of energy to keep everyone cool.
The result? There is not enough power to go around, more competition for available energy, and boom — higher prices for everyone.
Are We Just Stuck Paying More?
Not necessarily. While we can’t control how the power grid operates or when plants go offline, we can make smarter choices at home to soften the blow on our wallets. Negros Power, one of the energy players in the region, shared a few helpful tips, and we’ve added some extra ones to make it even more doable.
Innovative Ways to Save Power This Summer
Choose Energy-Efficient Appliances
If you’re buying new appliances, check for energy-saving features and Energy Star ratings. They may cost more upfront but will save you money in the long run.
Don’t Just Unplug, Power Down
Make it a habit to turn off lights, fans, TVs, and gadgets when not in use. That tiny act adds up, especially considering how many things stay plugged in 24/7.
Swap Your Aircon for a Fan (Sometimes)
Fans use way less energy than air conditioners. You don’t have to ditch the aircon completely but use it only during peak heat hours or while sleeping.
Keep Your Curtains Closed
This sounds too simple, but it works. Closing your windows and blinds during the hottest parts of the day keeps the sun — and the heat — outside.
Be Smart with Your Thermostat
If you have an air conditioner with temperature control, try setting it a few degrees higher. You probably won’t even notice the change in comfort, but your power bill will.
Bonus Tips to Beat the Heat and Still Save
- Use LED bulbs instead of traditional ones. They’re cooler (literally) and use less power.
- Cook earlier or later to avoid heating up your home during peak sun hours.
- Do laundry at night when it’s cooler, and power demand is lower.
Final Thoughts: You’ve Got More Control Than You Think
Electricity prices will rise and fall based on factors beyond our control — outages, fuel costs, weather — the list goes on. But how we use energy at home is totally up to us.
By implementing these strategies, you can keep your electric bill from skyrocketing and contribute to reducing the overall demand on the power grid. Remember, being more energy-conscious is always a good idea, both for your wallet and the planet.
So beat the heat, save some pesos, and feel good knowing you’re making wise choices for your home and the environment.
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