NegOcc officials slam power rate hike
BACOLOD CITY – Negros Occidental officials want an investigation on the recent approval of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) of the rate increase applied by the National Power Corporation (NPC) amounting to P1.1460 per kilowatt hour.
The power rate increase will eventually be passed on to the consumers by the Central Negros Electric Cooperative (Ceneco).
Governor Isidro Zayco and Vice Governor Emilio Yulo III have opposed the power rate increase because of the current economic crisis.
“The increase is very untimely at this time when people are suffering from the global economic turmoil, the power rates should instead be lowered for industries and other businesses to survive,” Zayco stressed.
Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia also shared similar stand in opposing the power rate increase.
“I think the Sangguniang Panlungsod would share the same reaction with me and Governor Zayco,” he added.
City Administrator Rogelio Balo on the other hand believes the increase in NPC generation charge would have a “domino effect” on other charges imposed by Ceneco.
He cited the possible increase on the systems loss and even to other charges collected by Ceneco and other power utilities from its consumers.
Ceneco president Vicente Sabornay in a news conference Monday said the P1.1460 per kilowatt hour hike will be imposed by Ceneco effective February 26-March 25.
“It will be reflected in the electric bill of the consumers in April,” Sabornay said.