Negros Power Announces Lower Electricity Rates For May 2026
Consumers under Negros Electric and Power Corporation (Negros Power) can expect lower electricity bills this May after the utility announced a reduction in residential power rates due to lower generation and transmission costs.
According to Negros Power, the average residential electricity rate for May 2026 dropped to ₱11.3808 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), lower by ₱0.8655/kWh compared to April’s ₱12.2463/kWh.
The reduction is expected to provide relief to consumers as households continue to manage rising daily expenses.
In its latest advisory, the utility announced that the average residential rate for May 2026 dropped to ₱11.3808 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), lower than April’s ₱12.2463 per kWh. The reduction is expected to provide financial relief to households and businesses amid continuing economic challenges.
Lower WESM Prices Contribute to Rate Reduction
Negros Power explained that the primary factor behind the lower rates was the decline in charges from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM).
WESM rates decreased from ₱5.8677/kWh in April to ₱5.0432/kWh in May, reflecting a reduction of ₱0.8245/kWh during the billing period.
The company said the lower market prices were influenced by the temporary market suspension implemented under Executive Order No. 110, Series of 2026, which declared a state of national energy emergency amid global fuel supply disruptions and increasing oil prices.
As a result, overall generation charges for May declined by ₱0.5332/kWh.
ERC Suspends GEA-ALL Charge
Additional relief also came from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), which suspended the ₱0.0371/kWh GEA-ALL charge for the May and June 2026 billing periods following an advisory released on May 8.
The temporary suspension helped further reduce electricity costs for residential consumers this month.
Transmission Charges Also Decline
Aside from lower generation costs, transmission charges for residential consumers also went down during the May billing period.
Transmission rates decreased by ₱0.1506/kWh, from ₱1.3657/kWh in April to ₱1.2151/kWh in May.
Negros Power said the combined reduction in both generation and transmission charges resulted in the overall decrease in electricity rates this month.
Relief for Consumers Amid Rising Costs
Negros Power President and CEO Roel Castro described the rate reduction as positive news for consumers, especially as many families continue to face economic pressures and higher living expenses.
He emphasized that the company remains committed to balancing affordability with reliable electricity service across its franchise area.
“This month’s reduction in electricity rates is welcome news for our consumers, especially at a time when many households are still managing rising costs of living. Our goal is always to ensure that power remains as affordable as possible while maintaining the stability and reliability of our services.” -Negros Power President and CEO Roel Castro
Electricity rates typically fluctuate depending on several factors, including fuel prices, market supply conditions, transmission costs, and generation charges sourced from the power market.
Continuing Commitment to Reliable Service
Despite the lower rates, Negros Power assured consumers that it continues to invest in system reliability, infrastructure improvements, and operational efficiency to meet the growing electricity demand across Central Negros.
The utility said its ongoing modernization efforts aim to strengthen service reliability while ensuring that electricity remains as affordable and stable as possible for consumers.
