The Visayan Electric announced on Tuesday that the electricity rate will increase by P1.14 per kilowatt-hour (kWh).

This will bring up the residential rate to P11.78/kWh.

To illustrate, a household consuming 200 kWh can expect an increase of P228 on their monthly bill which will be reflected on the April and May billing.

“This is the first upward adjustment in Visayan Electric electricity prices since December 2024,” in a statement by Visayan Electric.

“While we understand that any increase in electricity rates can be burdensome, this adjustment is a result of market dynamics beyond our control,” Engr. Raul Lucero, Visayan Electric president and chief operating officer, said.

'As temperatures climb, we naturally turn to cooling appliances to make our homes livable. But we must also be conscious of our energy use to avoid bill shock at the end of the month.'

He pointed out the rise in electricity prices in the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market, the global trading platform dedicated to buying and selling electricity, as the primary reason behind the recent increase in power rates.

The increase in rates also coincides with the summer season which the utility firm expects a surge in power demand due to the hot and humid weather all throughout April and May.

“As temperatures climb, we naturally turn to cooling appliances to make our homes livable. But we must also be conscious of our energy use to avoid bill shock at the end of the month,” Lucero stressed.

This include setting air conditioners to 25 degrees Celcius or higher and use electric fans to circulate cool air, and ensuring rooms are properly sealed to prevent cool air from escaping.

Visayan Electric covers the cities of Cebu, Mandaue, Talisay, Naga and the towns of Consolacion, Liloan, Minglanilla and San Fernando.