Visayan Electric Company Inc. has announced a new power rate increase to P12.88 per kilowatt-hour for May 2026, serving as another reminder of the fragility of the country's energy system. The P0.31/kWh hike, though seemingly small to some, significantly impacts household expenses, especially for low-income sectors.
Reasons Behind the Rate Hike
According to the company, the increase stems from high global fuel prices and dwindling power supply in the Visayas Grid. The series of Yellow and Red Alerts issued by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines reveals a deeper problem—a lack of stable and sufficient power reserves amid rising demand.
Global and Local Factors
The rise in petroleum prices and inflation are not just local issues but part of a broader global situation. However, this cannot be an excuse to neglect the long-standing energy shortage problem in the country.
Short-Term Measures vs. Long-Term Solutions
Coordination among Visayan Electric, power generators, and the Department of Energy (DOE), including the implementation of the Interruptible Load Program (ILP), is a positive step to avoid brownouts. However, these are only short-term solutions. The ILP, for instance, means some businesses may stop using electricity to prioritize others—not a sustainable long-term fix.
The government and energy sector should focus on long-term solutions: expanding power generation capacity, strengthening grid infrastructure, and investing in renewable energy. Continued reliance on imported fuel will keep prices volatile with global market fluctuations.
Shared Responsibility
While the public is urged to conserve electricity, the heavy responsibility should not fall solely on consumers. Effective policies and robust infrastructure are the real answers to the problem.
