Negros Power Explains June 2026 Electricity Rate Increase As Generation Costs Surge Across The Visayas
Consumers in Central Negros will see higher electricity bills this June as Negros Electric and Power Corporation (Negros Power) announced an increase in power rates, citing rising generation costs affecting the entire Visayas grid.
The company emphasized that the adjustment is not exclusive to Negros Power and is expected to be reflected in the rates of other electric distribution utilities across the Visayas due to broader market conditions impacting electricity supply and pricing.
Residential Rate Climbs in June
For June 2026, Negros Power’s average residential electricity rate increased to ₱13.8417 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), up by ₱2.4609/kWh from the ₱11.3808/kWh rate recorded in May 2026.
The increase represents one of the more significant month-to-month adjustments this year and is largely attributed to higher power procurement costs.
The average electricity rates for June 2026 are as follows:
- Residential (RES): ₱13.8417/kWh
- Low Voltage (LV): ₱13.7469/kWh
- High Voltage (HV): ₱12.8694/kWh
WESM Prices Drive Higher Generation Charges
According to Negros Power, one of the primary factors behind the increase was the sharp rise in prices at the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM).
Electricity prices in the spot market reportedly more than doubled during the billing period due to limited available power supply. Several power generation facilities were unavailable at the same time that electricity demand remained high, placing pressure on the grid.
These conditions prompted the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) to issue both Yellow Alerts and Red Alerts in parts of the Luzon and Visayas grids, signaling tight power supply conditions.
The company also noted that electricity sourced from CENPRI became more expensive as global fuel prices continued to rise, further contributing to higher generation costs.
Increase Reflects Conditions Across the Visayas
Negros Power clarified that the higher rates stem from market-driven generation costs rather than distribution-related charges.
Engr. Christian John Villena, Energy Sourcing Manager of Negros Power, explained that the situation reflects supply and pricing conditions affecting the entire Visayas power system.
Generation charges are considered pass-through costs, meaning these expenses are paid directly to power suppliers and do not form part of the distribution utility’s revenues.
Although transmission charges registered a slight decrease during the billing period, the reduction was insufficient to offset the substantial increase in generation costs.
“In the interest of transparency, we want our consumers to understand that this increase is primarily due to higher generation costs resulting from limited power supply and increased fuel prices. The significant rise in WESM prices, coupled with higher costs from our power suppliers, has affected electricity rates throughout the region. This is not a situation unique to Negros Power. Electric distribution utilities across the Visayas are likewise expected to register increases in their electricity rates because these generation costs are driven by conditions affecting the entire grid.”
—Engr. Christian John Villena, Negros Power Energy Sourcing Manager
Consumers Encouraged to Practice Energy Efficiency
As electricity costs continue to be influenced by fuel prices and power supply availability, Negros Power is encouraging consumers to adopt energy-saving measures to help manage their monthly electricity consumption.
Simple practices such as switching off unused appliances, using energy-efficient lighting, and limiting unnecessary power usage can help reduce household electricity expenses during periods of higher rates.
Commitment to Transparency and Reliable Service
Negros Power reiterated its commitment to keeping consumers informed about factors affecting electricity bills and market developments that influence power rates.
The company also assured consumers that it continues to pursue reliable and competitively priced power sources while maintaining dependable electricity service throughout its franchise area.
As energy demand continues to grow and global market conditions remain uncertain, the utility said it will continue providing timely updates to help consumers better understand changes in their monthly electricity charges.
