Electricity bills may rise by as much as P4 per kilowatt-hour in the coming months as global oil prices continue to climb amid the crisis in the Middle East, the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) said.

Some power distribution utilities in Pangasinan said they are already preparing for the possible increase, which may start to affect consumers by April or May 2026.

Dagupan Electric Corporation (DECORP) said the spike in oil prices could have a significant impact on its operations, particularly on the generation side where fuel costs form a large part of electricity rates.

Still, the utility said it will follow directives from regulators aimed at easing the burden on consumers.

“Nonetheless, ‘pag naglabas ‘yung ERC ng order to staggered ‘yung payment, of course lahat kami na distribution utilities covered nung order na ‘yun, kung anuman ‘yung matter or method na ilalabas nila to prevent ‘yung bill shock sa customer,” Atty. Randy Castilan, chief operating officer of DECORP, said.

Central Pangasinan Electric Cooperative (CENPELCO) also said it is preparing for the possible rate adjustment, noting that its operations are highly dependent on petroleum products.

However, the cooperative hopes the increase will not be sudden.

“Dahan-dahan po. Pero after two to three months, doon natin mararamdaman ‘yung full effect na sinasabi ng ERC,”Engr. Rodrigo Corpuz, general manager of CENPELCO, said.

“April, May baka doon po natin maramdaman ‘yung bahagyang pagtaas,” he added.

Distribution utilities said they expect clearer guidelines in the coming weeks on how the possible power rate increase will be implemented.