Ilocos Norte registered the most affordable residential electricity prices across Luzon in May, based on official figures from the Department of Energy.
Data from the Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative (INEC) showed an unbundled residential tariff of ₱10.1399 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), leading all power distributors and electric cooperatives in the region for the month.
With all additional charges factored in, the final effective residential rate for consumers stood at ₱12.2872/kWh.
Speaking at a press briefing at the INEC headquarters in Dingras on Friday, General Manager Cipriano Martinez III credited the low rates to tactical power procurement and corporate management.
”We achieved this milestone because of our mix contract and efficient trading while securing our base load. Amidst the oil crisis, our rates were reduced while others increased,” Martinez explained.
Martinez affirmed that the cooperative remains dedicated to maintaining competitive energy pricing to drive local economic development and serve its consumer base of over 190,000 member-owners.
”Your INEC is thankful for your continued support and trust. Rest assured that we will continue to exercise all ways and means to deliver affordable, quality and reliable power supply to all households,” he added.
To reinforce grid reliability, INEC is currently upgrading its distribution network. The cooperative recently powered up a 20-megavolt-amperes substation in Bacarra on June 10 to address persistent voltage fluctuations.
Additionally, it aims to construct another substation in the municipality of Bangui before the end of the year.
According to Martinez, these infrastructure improvements are vital for ensuring an uninterrupted energy supply, which acts as a key incentive for attracting new commercial investments and business expansions to Ilocos Norte.