Residential consumers of Visayan Electric will experience a reduction of P0.68 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) in their December to January billing cycle. This adjustment lowers the overall residential rate from P12.19/kWh to P11.51/kWh, equating to savings of at least P136 for households consuming 200 kWh.
The decrease is primarily due to reduced electricity prices in the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM), where electricity is traded.
While this is welcome news, Visayan Electric emphasizes the importance of managing energy use, especially during the holiday season. “Let us not be too complacent with the recent reduction in the electricity rate, as our usage during the holiday season may be unusually high, resulting in a higher bill despite the decrease in the rate,” cautions Visayan Electric President and COO Raul Lucero.
The utility company notes that higher energy consumption during this period is often driven by electronic Christmas decorations, fully-stocked refrigerators, and increased use of appliances like electric fans, air conditioners, and televisions.
To help consumers manage their energy use and avoid higher bills, Visayan Electric advises adopting energy-saving practices, such as using LED lights for decorations, turning off unused appliances, and setting air conditioners to energy-efficient temperatures. These small adjustments can significantly reduce electricity consumption during the holidays.
