In a statement, the utility distributor said this was the result of the slashed coal and transmission costs.
With the bulk of its consumers being residential, a decrease of P0.38 per kWh for the May to June billing will be beneficial to them.
An average household consuming at least 200 kWh per month will save P76 in its next bill.
Elizabeth Peralez, a 64-year-old resident of Jakosalem St., Cebu City, told SunStar Cebu that the reduction will allow them to save money.
Due to the hot weather, their electricity bill went up to P1,200 from their usual monthly bill of P1,000.
Michael Conol Sr. of Banawa Cebu City and Charissa Betania of San Antonio, Cebu City shared the same sentiments.
Conor has a monthly bill of P400 while Betania, whose household’s electricity consumption is due only to a ceiling fan, spends P490 a month on average for electricity.
Both said the lower rate will reduce their bill for the May-to-June billing period.
Visayan Electric Company reminds its customers to continue conserving energy as the El Niño weather phenomenon, which brings a severe hot dry season, may occur in June and last until the first quarter of 2024.
The firm added that the cost of electricity is usually higher during hot seasons, as most consumers tend to use more cooling appliances. Therefore, among the ways to conserve energy is to unplug appliances not in use and turn off the lights whenever possible.
Pelaez, Conor and Betania all said that as much as possible they use electricity only when it is necessary.
This means turning off the fans when no one is using them and turning off the circuit breaker when going out of the house. (with Glyza Roquero AND Deborah Arcilla, BIPSU Interns)