Northern samar: Northern Samar 2nd District Representative Edwin Ongchuan is collaborating with the National Electrification Administration (NEA) to explore long-term strategies to mitigate rising electricity costs in the province, following growing public concerns over elevated power bills.
According to Philippines News Agency, Ongchuan has initiated discussions with NEA officials to investigate the causes behind the recent surge in electricity rates and to identify potential interventions that could provide relief to both households and businesses. Among the key issues discussed was the persistent impact of line rental charges on electricity rates.
"We are coordinating with the NEA to develop possible solutions and facilitate discussions with the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to review existing line rental arrangements and explore measures that could reduce electricity costs for consumers in Northern Samar," Ongchuan stated. The talks also addressed the recent increase in electricity demand in the province.
Technical assessments cited by the congressman's office indicate that the heightened demand, driven by the summer season and the resumption of classes, compelled the local electric cooperative to procure additional power from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market. Consequently, Northern Samar's electricity rate rose to 15.7183 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), surpassing the PHP11.1589 per kWh rate in the May 2026 billing, and significantly higher than the PHP10.6289 per kWh rate of Leyte II Electric Cooperative in Tacloban City and nearby towns.
The increase in power purchases coincided with the lifting of the ERC's market suspension on May 1, resulting in electricity being bought at prevailing market rates instead of the previously capped administered prices, contributing to higher generation charges. Despite the market-driven increase in generation costs, Ongchuan emphasized that addressing structural cost drivers, particularly line rental charges, remains a priority.
This initiative complements House Resolution No. 889, filed by Ongchuan, which seeks a congressional review of the imposition of line rental charges under WESM rules and their impact on electricity rates nationwide. The congressman's office stated that it will continue coordinating with the NEA and engaging with the ERC in pursuing policy and regulatory interventions to help achieve more affordable and sustainable electricity rates for consumers in Northern Samar.
