Electricity consumers are expected to face higher power charges this August due to an increase in transmission costs, according to the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines.
NGCP said its transmission rate reached 22.22% for the July 2026 billing period, equivalent to about ₱1.75 per kilowatt-hour from ₱1.43 per kWh previously.
The increase was mainly attributed to higher ancillary services rates, which cover services that help maintain the stability of the power grid.
NGCP clarified that it does not earn from ancillary service charges. The payments go directly to power generators and the Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines for services provided through the Reserve Market.
Transmission wheeling rates also increased during the period.
The charge for delivering electricity through the transmission grid rose to ₱0.54 per kWh in July from ₱0.50 per kWh in June.
The higher transmission rate is expected to affect electricity charges for consumers in August.
Transmission charges are among the components reflected in electricity bills, and the increase in these costs may contribute to higher overall power charges for consumers.
NGCP said the increase in ancillary services costs was the primary reason behind the higher transmission rate for the July 2026 billing period.
The company also reiterated that payments for ancillary services are passed on to power generators and IEMOP for services sourced from the Reserve Market.
Meanwhile, the increase in the transmission wheeling rate added to the higher transmission costs, with the rate moving from ₱0.50 per kWh in June to ₱0.54 per kWh in July.
Consumers are expected to see the impact of the higher transmission charges in their August electricity bills.
