Residents in Mangaldan, Pangasinan are facing higher electricity bills as increased generation charges and pass-through costs brought power rates up, according to the local electric cooperative.

For Erlinda De Vera’s family in Barangay Lanas, the monthly electricity bill rose to nearly P2,000 from the usual P1,200 despite efforts to reduce power consumption at home.

She said the increase came as a surprise because they had been trying to save on electricity use.

“Mataas talaga, nagtitipid na nga kami ng kuryente tapos sobrang taas pa,” De Vera said.

The Central Pangasinan Electric Cooperative (CENPELCO) said the generation charge increased by 55 centavos per kilowatt-hour, largely due to higher fuel costs in recent weeks and the impact of tensions in the Middle East on global oil prices.

The cooperative also cited the weakening peso against the U.S. dollar as a factor that raised electricity generation costs.

“Dahil na rin sa epekto ng increase sa fuel cost at pagbaba ng peso value natin, kasi tumaas ang dollar-peso exchange rate, so ‘yun ang bahagyang nakaapekto sa cost ng generation ng electricity na ‘yun din ang binibili natin para mai-distribute sa ating mga consumers,” Engr. Rodrigo Corpuz, general manager of CENPELCO, said.

CENPELCO also clarified that part of the electric bill goes to government-mandated “pass-through” charges, which fund subsidies for senior citizens, lifeline consumers and renewable energy programs.

The cooperative said it does not earn from these charges, noting that they are imposed on all distribution utilities and electric cooperatives nationwide and are approved by the Energy Regulatory Commission.

“Kung babasahin natin ‘yung batas ‘yung RA 11552 kung saan ito ay in detailed na discussed ng ERC doon sa application at tayo nga ang nag su-subsidized doon sa amount pero sa ngayon ay naka-fix doon sa 1 centavo per kilowatt hour,” Corpuz said.

Consumers said they hope for relief as household budgets continue to be strained by rising utility costs.