Lowest Electricity Rates in Western Visayas and Negros Island | IEMOP President & CEO Atty. Richard Nethercott and representatives from MORE Power, Negros Power, and Bohol Light, including President & CEO Roel Castro, engaged in a dynamic discussion on the future of energy during the Power Outlook Forum held in Iloilo City. The event drew nearly 60 media representatives from across the Visayas on May 22, 2025.

MORE Power and Negros Power Offer Lowest Electricity Rates in Western Visayas 2025

Residents of Western Visayas and Negros Island continue to benefit from some of the most affordable electricity rates in the region, thanks to the proactive management and competitive strategies of private electric distribution utilities led by billionaire Enrique Razon, Jr. These private utilities have consistently outperformed local electric cooperatives in maintaining lower power costs for consumers.

MORE Power Leads in Iloilo City, Negros Power the Cheapest in Negros island [ Lowest Electricity Rates in Western Visayas and Negros Island ]

For over five years, MORE Electric and Power Corporation (MORE Power), the sole electricity distributor in Iloilo City, has maintained the lowest residential electricity rates across Panay Island and Guimaras. As of May 2025, MORE Power’s residential rate is at ₱11.13 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), notably below the rates charged by neighboring electric cooperatives:

• ILECO I: ₱12.53/kWh

• ILECO II: ₱12.25/kWh

• ILECO III: ₱11.27/kWh

• AKELCO (Aklan): ₱12.74/kWh

• ANTECO (Antique): ₱12.82/kWh

• CAPELCO (Capiz): ₱12.78/kWh

• GUIMELCO (Guimaras): ₱12.69/kWh

This consistent pricing advantage reflects MORE Power’s commitment to cost-efficient electricity sourcing and management.

For May 2025, Negros Power’s residential rate stands at ₱11.69/kWh, undercutting the rates of neighboring cooperatives

Similarly, in the Negros Island Region, Negros Electric and Power Corporation (Negros Power)—a joint venture between Primelectric Holdings, Inc. and Central Negros Electric Cooperative (CENECO)—has offered lower electricity rates since commencing operations in November 2024. For May 2025, Negros Power’s residential rate stands at ₱11.69/kWh, undercutting the rates of neighboring cooperatives:

• NONECO: ₱13.28/kWh

• NOCECO: ₱12.02/kWh

• NORECO 1: ₱12.18/kWh

• NORECO 2: ₱11.71/kWh

Negros Power’s pricing demonstrates the effectiveness of private sector involvement in the region’s power distribution.

“Since generation charges constitute 60-65% of a consumer’s electric bill, securing favorable long-term power supply contracts is essential. By actively engaging in market opportunities and negotiating competitive agreements, we keep costs down without sacrificing service reliability.” Castro

Strategic Practices Drive Lower Rates

Industry experts and regulators credit the success of these private utilities to their strategic power sourcing and contracting approaches, according to Atty. Richard Nethercott, President and CEO of the Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines (IEMOP), a utility’s generation mix and procurement strategies are crucial in securing lower and more stable electricity prices.

MORE Power and Negros Power President and CEO Roel Castro emphasized that their companies’ ability to maintain competitive rates stems from rigorous power contracting through a Competitive Selection Process (CSP) and continuous real-time monitoring of prices in the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM).

“Since generation charges constitute 60-65% of a consumer’s electric bill, securing favorable long-term power supply contracts is essential,” Castro explained. “By actively engaging in market opportunities and negotiating competitive agreements, we keep costs down without sacrificing service reliability.”

Impact on Consumers and the Community

The leadership of MORE Power and Negros Power highlights the value of professional utility management, transparent procurement, and market-savvy operations. These practices have resulted in tangible savings for consumers, alleviating the financial burden of electricity costs amid rising energy demands.

Despite challenges such as fluctuating market prices and weather-driven increases in consumption, these private utilities have demonstrated resilience and innovation in delivering affordable power.

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