In the wake of escalating electricity tariffs, residents of Bohol are being encouraged to minimize their energy consumption.
The rate hike, which took effect in April, was announced by the three local power distribution utilities (DUs), as per the latest reports dated April 26, 2024.
The advisory for conservation comes shortly after the DUs informed the public about the impending rate adjustments.
The surge in electricity rates is primarily attributed to an increase in the generation charge, indicating that the cost of electricity procured by the DUs from producers has risen.
Specifically, the Bohol Light Company Inc. has reported a rate increase of PHP1.36 per kilowatt-hour for residential customers, along with a PHP1.31 per kilowatt-hour increase for commercial users.
In addition, the Bohol 1 Electric Cooperative (BOHECO 1) has noted a rate hike of P0.83 per kilowatt-hour for its residential clientele and P0.97 per kilowatt-hour for high voltage consumers.
BOHECO 2 has also updated its rates, with a P0.61 per kilowatt-hour rise for residential customers, as indicated in their recent Facebook page update.
Looking ahead, consumers are advised to brace for another rate hike next month, which analysts link to the elevated heat index.
However, the call for energy conservation poses a significant challenge for the people of Bohol.
With the rising temperatures compelling more individuals to remain indoors, the reliance on air conditioning to stay cool — a major electricity consumer — is expected to increase, as noted by some observers.
Potential Power Shortages
The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has been issuing frequent warnings about potential brownouts in the Visayas region, including Bohol, due to a dwindling power reserve.
According to an advisory released on April 25, 2024, NGCP reported that the peak demand in the Visayas grid is approximately 2,555 megawatts, while the available capacity is around 2,829 megawatts.
NGCP attributes the slim supply and reserves to the shutdown of several power plants and the reduced operation of others.
The advisory noted that one plant has been on forced outage since 2022, two power plants have been out since 2023, and another two have been offline from January to March 2024.
In addition, 19 power plants have been out since the beginning of this month, while 12 others are operating at a reduced capacity. This has resulted in a total of 670.8 megawatts being unavailable for use.
In response to the dwindling power supply in the Visayas grid, the NGCP has issued a yellow alert.
A yellow alert is raised when the operating margin is insufficient to meet the grid’s contingency requirements.
The NGCP had previously issued a red alert status, which is declared when the power supply is inadequate to meet consumer demand and the grid’s regulating requirement.
Given these developments, there is a possibility of rotational brownouts occurring in Bohol.