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The arrival of the northeast monsoon (amihan) season last November brought cooler temperatures and a welcome shift in electricity consumption patterns. With reduced reliance on air conditioning and fans, demand for electricity dropped, leading to a general decrease in energy prices.
According to the Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines (IEMOP), the system-wide average electricity price at the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) fell by 9.6% in early December, settling at ₱3.99 per kilowatt-hour.
Because of the decreased demand, IEMOP officials anticipate that these lower rates will persist throughout the month.
Amianan electricity rates: a mixed bag of trends
Amianan, the northern area of the Philippines, encompasses the Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, and Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). Reliable electricity is crucial to sustaining its industries and communities. A growing emphasis on enhancing energy access and reliability, alongside a push for renewable energy, underscores the region’s commitment to sustainable development.
Here’s a closer look at electricity trends across key areas in the region, highlighting mixed outcomes:
- Ilocos Norte
The Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative (INEC) reduced rates from PHP9.72 to PHP8.72 per kWh in December, citing efficient WESM trading and supplier negotiations. Emergency power deals with AboitizPower and San Miguel Corporation aim to ensure stable, affordable electricity during the holidays.
- Benguet
The Benguet Electric Cooperative (BENECO) announced a rate increase for December 2024. The generation charge rose to PHP10.9743 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) from November’s PHP10.7362 per kWh, primarily due to fluctuations in coal market trends and currency exchange rates. This adjustment means that residential customers using 100 kWh in December will pay an additional PHP1,097.30.
- Pangasinan
The Central Pangasinan Electric Cooperative (CENPELCO) and Dagupan Electric Corporation (DECORP) assured consumers of a stable electricity supply during the 2024 holiday season. This reliability is expected to last through the New Year, provided no unexpected generating plant shutdowns or maintenance issues arise. As of now, neither power distributor has announced any price increases or reductions.
- Mountain Province
Mountain Province Electric Cooperative (MOPRECO) provided updated electricity rates for its consumers in December. Residential consumers were charged P9.5838 per kWh, while low voltage consumers paid P8.0487 per kWh, and high voltage consumers faced a rate of P5.9749 per kWh. However, MOPRECO did not make a formal announcement regarding whether there was an increase or decrease in the generation rate for December.
Though the general trend across the Philippines has shown a decrease in electricity rates in December, this does not apply uniformly across all areas.
To ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information, it’s advisable to check the official websites of local power providers.
Sources:
https://www.rappler.com/philippines/weather/pagasa-northeast-monsoon-amihan-start-november-2024
https://business.inquirer.net/473010/cooler-weather-pulled-down-electricity-spot-prices-in-july
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1239834
https://www.bworldonline.com/the-nation/2024/12/16/641972/power-rates-up-in-baguio-benguet/
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1795606334603722&set=a.115364742627898