From P10.41 per kilowatt hour, the average residential electricity rate in Iloilo City is raised to P12.03 per kilowatt hour. 

Electric distribution utility provider, MORE Power, has raised the power rate at P1.616 per kilowatt hour beginning April 18, 2025 billing cycle. 

If a consumer uses 100 kilowatt hours monthly, this means an additional of about P162 in monthly bill.

According to MORE Power, electricity consumed is expected to increase because of the demand due to the warm weather.

Another factor is the increase in cost of power generation, transmission, and system loss that the energy sector deals with.

“May portion tayong binibili ng kuryente sa merkado. Itong WESM [Wholesale Electricity Spot Market] is the primary reason for the increase in rates dahil ang ating mga bilateral agreement, relatively stable naman ang prices. But ang ating merkado sa kuryente, tumaas. From around P2.75 last month average, naging P5.43 per kwh,” according to Niel Parcon, vice president for Corporate Planning and Regulatory of MORE Power.

Rosalie Pauchano, a consumer, said she is upset at the power rate hike. She said she already stopped using rice cooker to save up.

According to her, her bill reaches an average of P2,700 monthly. She pointed out that even though the rate hike is just one peso, it still is an additional burden to consumer.

“Kahit piso lang ang dagdag, sayang ang ibabayad,” Pauchano said.

A few consumers of the Iloilo Electric Cooperative I are worried that they too might deal with an increase in power rates soonest.

Regina Jamelo said that during the hot months, it is difficult to conserve electricity.

“Hindi naman natin masasabi na hindi tayo gagamit ng electric fan dahil matindi ang init. Lahat, pati ref, 24 hours na umaandar,” Jamelo said.

Currently, I power rate is at P12.92 per kilowatt hour.

According to an official that GMA Regional TV One Western Visayas news team had inquired from, the new rate will be announced anytime in the remaining week of April 2025.