Power rates in Cebu go down

Upgrade to High-Speed Internet for only ₱1499/month!

Enjoy up to 100 Mbps fiber broadband, perfect for browsing, streaming, and gaming.

Visit Suniway.ph to learn

CEBU CITY — Residential customers of Visayan Electric in Metro Cebu will experience a reduction in their electricity bills for the May-June billing period, as the company announces a decrease of P0.62 per kilowatt-hour (kWh).

This adjustment brings the overall residential rate down to P11.16/kWh from the previous rate of P11.78/kWh.

For households consuming 200 kWh per month this translates to a savings of approximately P124.

The rate decrease is attributed to lower electricity costs in the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM), a trading platform where electricity is bought and sold.

The fluctuations in WESM prices directly impact the retail rates charged to consumers, with current market conditions favoring lower costs.

Despite the positive news, Visayan Electric urges consumers to remain vigilant about their electricity usage. The company reminds customers that the dry season persists, and while scattered rains have been observed in Cebu and nearby provinces.

"If we are not mindful of our energy consumption, our bills could soar unexpectedly," said Mark Anthony Kindica, Visayan Electric senior assistant vice president for engineering operations.

He cautioned that without careful monitoring of energy use, electricity bills could unexpectedly rise.

The summer months typically bring higher electricity consumption due to the increased use of air conditioners, electric fans, and refrigerators working harder to maintain cooler indoor temperatures.

Kindica encouraged customers to implement simple energy-saving measures, such as turning off appliances when not in use, using energy-efficient lighting, and regularly maintaining cooling equipment for optimal performance.

In addition to energy consumption reminders, Visayan Electric also issued safety advisories related to common summer activities.

With children on school break and outdoor activities more frequent, the company particularly warned against the dangers of kite flying near electrical installations.

"We urge the public to be cautious when flying kites, especially around power lines and other electrical facilities," the company said in a statement.

It also advised the public to avoid flying kites near power lines, electrical poles and substations to prevent accidents and power interruptions.

Visayan Electric also encouraged choosing open spaces such as parks or fields, away from roads and electrical infrastructure, as safer locations for kite flying.

Additionally, they reminded parents and guardians to always supervise children while flying kites to ensure they follow these safety guidelines.

With the combination of lower electricity rates and Visayan Electric's ongoing push for energy conservation and safety.