TACLOBAN CITY — Northern Samar Rep. Edwin Ongchuan is working with the National Electrification Administration (NEA) to identify long-term measures to reduce electricity rates in the province following a sharp increase in power costs.

Ongchuan said discussions with NEA officials centered on addressing the high electricity rates charged by the Northern Samar Electric Cooperative (Norsamelco) and identifying interventions that would provide relief to consumers.

Norsamelco earlier raised its electricity rate to P15.7183 per kilowatt-hour in June from P11.1589 per kWh in May.

The increase was mainly driven by the generation charge, which climbed to P8.8645 per kWh from P4.9214 per kWh in the previous month.

According to Ongchuan, one of the key issues discussed was the continued impact of line rental charges on electricity rates. He said he would facilitate talks with the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to review existing line rental arrangements and explore measures to lower power costs in Northern Samar.

The discussions also covered the recent spike in electricity demand brought about by the summer season and the reopening of schools, which prompted Norsamelco to source additional power from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM).

The increase in WESM purchases coincided with the lifting of the ERC's market suspension on 1 May, resulting in electricity being bought at prevailing market rates instead of the previously capped administered prices.

While acknowledging that market conditions contributed to the higher generation charges, Ongchuan said addressing structural cost drivers, particularly line rental charges, remains a priority.

Earlier, the lawmaker filed House Resolution No. 889, seeking a congressional review of line rental charges under WESM rules and their impact on electricity rates nationwide.