Mar-Apr power bill to spike

CEBU, Philippines — Visayan Electric residential consumers will experience an increase of P0.13 per kWh in their March - April billing.

The increase, VECO said, is caused by the rise in the transmission charges imposed by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), which brings the total electricity rate from P11.25 per kWh in the previous month to P11.38 per kWh.

“This means that a household consuming a monthly average of 200 kWh can anticipate an additional charge of P26.00 in their March - April billing,” said VECO in a statement.

Raul Lucero, president and chief operating officer of VECO, underscores the critical importance of conscientious energy usage, amidst the ongoing dry spell gripping the province.

“The intense heat we are experiencing often leads to increased reliance on air conditioning. Hence, I urge everyone to exercise mindfulness to prevent any unpleasant surprises in their bills," said Lucero in the same statement.

Lucero further stressed that prioritizing energy conservation is pivotal in ensuring our bills remain manageable.

“Embracing natural ventilation at home is a simple yet effective way to stay comfortable amid the heat while minimizing electricity consumption," he added.

Recently, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) forecasted a prolonged dry spell for Cebu and its neighboring provinces due to the prevailing El Niño conditions.

With this, VECO has provided practical energy-saving tips which include investing in energy-saving appliances. VECO noted that these may have a higher upfront cost, but their long-term efficiency in power usage proves cost-effective.

VECO has also advised in switching to LED lights as these do not only save energy but also contribute to cooling indoor temperatures by emitting less heat compared to fluorescent lights.

Further, VECO has warned against misleading power-saving devices that claim to reduce power consumption.

Other energy-saving tips from VECO include prioritizing proper ventilation, unplugging unused appliances, and staying cool by staying hydrated, drinking plenty of water, and limiting exposure to the heat.

The country’s second biggest power distributor added that by adopting these energy-saving practices and staying vigilant during the dry spell, both the distribution utility and consumers can contribute to a more sustainable and resilient power supply. — /ATO (FREEMAN)