Filipino power consumers can anticipate a welcome reduction in their electricity costs at the start of 2026. The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has confirmed a decrease in transmission rates, which will be reflected in the electric bills for the January 2026 billing period.
Breaking Down the Rate Reduction
The overall average transmission rate charged to consumers for the December 2025 supply month has declined. It dropped by 0.68% to Php 1.3455 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) from the previous rate of Php 1.3547 per kWh. This charge appears on bills issued in January 2026.
This transmission charge is composed of two main components:
- Ancillary Services (AS) Rate: This is set at Php 0.5971 per kWh. Ancillary services cover the essential support needed to maintain the power grid's stability and reliability, sourced from the AS Reserve Market and providers with direct contracts.
- NGCP Transmission Wheeling Rate: This fee, which is for the physical delivery of electricity across the national grid, stands at Php 0.6058 per kWh.
NGCP's Direct Message to Consumers
In a clear statement, NGCP emphasized its regulated role, stating, "For the January 2026 electric bill of end consumers, NGCP charges only 60 centavos per kWh for the delivery of its services." The corporation further clarified that its revenues are strictly revenue-capped and regulated by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), ensuring that charges are controlled and justified.
How This Affects Your Electricity Bill
The transmission rate for the December 2025 supply period is not billed directly by NGCP to households. Instead, it is passed on to end-users through their respective distribution utilities (DUs) and electric cooperatives. These entities then incorporate the charge into the total monthly bill sent to consumers.
While the transmission charge is just one part of the total electricity bill—which also includes generation and distribution charges—any decrease contributes to overall cost relief for consumers. This reduction comes as a positive financial development for households and businesses managing their energy expenses.
