Decorp: Expect lower rates with solar plant
THE Dagupan Electric Corporation (Decorp) already implemented an additional 33-centavo rate increase last February, as reflected on the electric bills received this month, and another increase will likely be implemented in the months ahead if current demand continues.
Atty. Randy Castilan, Decorp legal counsel and spokesperson, said the recent increased rate is the result of rising temperature and increase in power demand since the local economy is beginning to be revived.
He said the demand last year went down as only few businesses remained open due to the lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. But shopping malls, and other large establishments, referred to as ‘big loaders’, recently started to resume its normal business hours, hence, the increase in energy consumption.
Last January, the average selling rate of Decorp was at PHP 8.7, but it rose to PHP 8.40 in February.
“If you are consuming around 100-kilowatt hour (kwh) in a month, there would be an additional PHP 40 increase in the rates,” said Castilan.
Meanwhile, Castilan warned consumers to expect further increase by March or in the following months but the same time he expects lower power rates with the expected completion of major structures.
He said customers can see their power rates go down once Decorp completes its solar power plant situated in Barangay Erfe, Sta. Barbara which can supply 20 Megawatts (MW) of power once completed.
“Walang VAT ito. Kasi sa atin mismo manggagaling. Renewable din, kaya cost-friendly siya”, he added.
As of this writing, the power plant is still in its initial construction phases.
Meanwhile, the construction of the Decorp substation in San Fabian is ongoing and once completed, it will provide power reliability to San Fabian, San Jacinto, and Manaoag which are presently dependent on the San Jacinto substation only.
The construction of the substation is 50% complete and will be connected to Dagupan City and Calasiao, once operational. In case of emergency, power will immediately be diverted to prevent long power interruptions.
To prepare for the opening of the San Fabian substation, expected to be completed and operational before the year ends, Decorp is also erecting 69 kilovolt lines and electric posts along the De Venecia extension, leading to Bonuan area. (Ahikam Pasion)
Share your Comments or Reactions
Powered by Facebook Comments
