Visayan Electric Implements ERC Safeguards to Cushion October Rate Adjustment
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Working in close coordination with the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), Visayan Electric has successfully mitigated a forecasted spike in October residential electricity rates, capping the rate increase at ₱15.30/kWh instead of the projected ₱18.38/kWh.
The higher rate for October comes mainly from the increased cost of grid support services and general power generation across the Visayas, where supply remains tight. During the Cebu Energy Summit held on October 12 at the Cebu Provincial Capitol, Energy Secretary Sharon Garin explained that these power shortages could last through 2028. She added that prices will likely stay unpredictable until local power supply stabilizes through new projects, such as battery storage systems, power barges, and new power plants.
To alleviate the financial impact on households, Visayan Electric continues to work actively with the ERC to stagger and defer generation cost recoveries over extended billing periods. Visayan Electric President and General Manager Mark Anthony Kindica reaffirmed the utility’s commitment to safeguarding Cebuano families and businesses from sudden rate shocks.
“We understand that every peso counts for our customers, especially with the approaching holiday season. While generation and grid-related costs are driven by external market factors, Visayan Electric is exhausting all measures to cushion our consumers from these broader economic pressures,” Kindica said.
Visayan Electric collaborates continuously with local government units, generation suppliers, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), the Department of Energy, and the ERC to maintain stable power distribution. Through proactive cost management and long-term energy initiatives, the utility remains dedicated to delivering safe, reliable, and reasonably priced electricity across its entire franchise area.
About Visayan Electric
Visayan Electric Company, Inc. is the largest private electric distribution utility in the Visayas, serving Metro Cebu and neighboring municipalities. It is a member of the Aboitiz Power Distribution Utilities (APDU) group, which includes Davao Light, Cotabato Light, and the EnerZone group of utilities. Visayan Electric is committed to delivering safe, reliable, and reasonably priced electricity to its franchise areas.
