Power rates being charged by the Benguet Electric Cooperative (BENECO) from its Member-Consumer-Owners (MCOs) slightly increased by P0.0061 per kilowatt-hour (kwh) for the June billing period compared to the rates during the previous billing period last May.
Based on the data obtained from BENECO under the leadership of Acting General Manager Engr. Art Bacoco, the June residential rate was pegged at P9.7966/kwh compared to the P9.7905/kwh residential rate charged by the electric cooperative last month.
The slight increase in the June power rate was caused by the increase in the transmission charge from the P0.5655/kwh last month to P0.5886/kwh for the present billing period that translated to an increase of P0.0231/kwh.
However, BENECO’s systems loss charge of P0.6225/kwh for the present billing period decreased P0.0210/kwh compared to the similar charge of P0.6435/kwh last May.
The electric cooperative’s commercial low voltage rate of P8.9899/kwh last month increased to P9.0036/kwh for the present billing period or a recorded increase of P0.0137/kwh.
Further, BENECO’s industrial rate of P8.9722/kwh this month increased by PP0.0137/kwh compared to last month’s rate of P8.9585/kwh.
The public building low voltage rate of P8.9758/kwh or a recorded increase of P0.0137/kwh compared to the similar rate of P8.9621/kwh last month.
streetlights, the rate of P9.0036/kwh this June increased by P0.0137/kwh compared to last month’s P8.9899/kwh.
On the other hand, the commercial high voltage rate of P7.7574/kwh decreased by P0.0153/kwh compared to the P7.7727/kwh similar rate during the May billing period
Enjoying a similar decrease of P0.0153/kwh for the present billing period is the public building high voltage which was pegged at P7.7296/kwh compared to the P7.7449/kwh last month.
BENECO continues to maintain its status as one of the few electric cooperatives that charges the cheapest power rates from its consumers despite having to provide power to non-viable areas within its franchise area aggravated by the prevailing leadership impasse that had dragged on over the past 2 years.
BENECO has an existing power supply agreement with TEAM Energy Corporation which is currently operating the coal-fired power plant in Sual, Pangasinan which is expected to expire in March next year.
Moreover, the electric cooperative is also venturing into power generation with the initial establishment of the 3.2-megawatt Man-asok mini hydro power plant to help in reducing the power rates and provide clean energy for the increasing number of consumers. BENECO is also eying the put up of additional mini hydro power plants within its franchise area to be able to compete in the provision of cheap power rates to its consumers to ensure the feasibility of its operations given the stiff competition in the market.
