MORE Electric and Power Corp. 
BUSINESS

Iloilo, Bohol rates ease in June

Maria Bernadette Romero

Customers of Primelectric Holdings Inc. (PHI) subsidiaries in Iloilo, Negros, and Bohol enjoy lower electricity bills this June, with power rates dropping by as much as 75 centavos per kilowatt-hour (kWh).

In a statement over the weekend, the Enrique K. Razon Jr.-led company said customers in Bohol, served by its affiliate Negros Power, will save 75 centavos per kWh, equivalent to P150 monthly for households consuming 200 kWh.

More Electric and Power Corp. in Iloilo City reduced rates by 61 centavos per kWh, resulting in a monthly savings of P122 for the same usage. 

Central Negros customers of Bohol Light, on the other hand, will benefit from a 55-centavo reduction, bringing rates down from P11.69 to P11.14 per kWh—about P110 in monthly savings.

Roel Castro, President and CEO of PHI, attributed the total P1.91 cut across the three utilities to lower charges in the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) and reduced transmission fees.

To sustain low rates, he said the company will continue to invest in infrastructure upgrades, system loss reduction, and strategic market participation.

Castro explained that generation charges account for about 60 to 65 percent of the total electricity rate. He said PHI manages this cost by balancing bilateral supply contracts and purchases from the WESM. 

However, he noted that external factors such as rising coal or oil prices could still impact generation rates and lead to higher overall charges. 

Despite this, Castro emphasized that PHI aims to maintain some of the most affordable rates in a generally high-cost power environment.

“Our goal is to pass these savings directly to consumers, helping families allocate funds toward essentials like food, education, and other vital needs,” Castro said.