Summer Heat Pushes Up Power Rates In Visayas As WESM Prices Nearly Double

As temperatures continue to soar across the region, electricity consumers throughout the Visayas are feeling the heat not just outdoors — but in their monthly bills as well. This April, power rates have climbed sharply due to a dramatic increase in prices at the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM), where the cost of electricity nearly doubled compared to previous months.

A Supply-Demand Imbalance Drives the Surge

According to the Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines (IEMOP), the price hike began as early as the first week of March 2025, when WESM prices in the Visayas rose by 95.5%. This significant jump was the result of two converging factors: reduced power supply and rising electricity demand.

On the supply side, several coal and natural gas plants experienced both planned maintenance and unexpected outages. These disruptions limited the amount of electricity available to meet the region’s needs. Meanwhile, the onset of summer brought with it soaring temperatures, which triggered a 5.9% spike in energy demand in the Visayas. Overall consumption hit 13,670 megawatts — an increase that stressed an already constrained system.

Impact on Households and Businesses

This imbalance between supply and demand has led to higher generation costs, which are now being reflected in consumers’ electricity bills. Both residential and commercial customers may notice a significant increase in their April billing statements, especially those relying heavily on cooling appliances such as air conditioners.

While the rising prices are largely unavoidable given current market conditions, Negros Power is encouraging consumers to adopt energy-efficient habits to mitigate the impact.

Energy-Saving Tips for the Summer Months

To help households reduce their electricity use without sacrificing comfort, Negros Power recommends the following practical tips:

• Switch to energy-efficient appliances: Look for those with high energy efficiency ratings or Energy Star certification.
• Turn off unused lights and electronics: Even idle devices draw power, so unplug them when not in use.
• Use fans instead of air conditioners whenever possible: Fans consume much less electricity and can be very effective, especially at night.
• Block out heat: Keep windows and blinds closed during peak daylight hours to reduce indoor temperatures naturally.
• Adjust the thermostat wisely: Setting your air conditioner a few degrees higher can significantly lower energy use while still maintaining comfort.

Looking Ahead

While the summer season is far from over, the power industry continues to monitor both supply conditions and market trends closely. In the meantime, consumers are encouraged to be mindful of their energy consumption. By making small adjustments at home or in the workplace, each household can help ease the strain on the grid — and on their own pockets.

As market fluctuations remain a reality in the energy sector, awareness and proactive habits become valuable tools for navigating rising electricity costs.