Starting February 2025, electricity consumers under the Oriental Mindoro Electric Cooperative, Inc. (ORMECO) will face an additional charge of P0.1993 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), following a directive from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) issued on October 30, 2024.

ERC has granted an interim relief petition to the National Power Corporation (NPC) to collect the Universal Charge – Missionary Electrification (UC-ME) at the provisional rate of P0.1993/kWh.

This additional charge is broken down into two components: UC-ME Basic Subsidy Rate: P0.1949/kWh and UC-ME Renewable Energy Developers’ Cash Incentive (REDCI) Rate: P 0.0044/kWh.

The UC-ME is a fee intended to fund electrification in areas not yet reached by major power grids, to ensure that all Filipinos, including those in remote areas, have equal access to electricity services.

The new rates will replace the previous rates of P0.1805/kWh for the UC-ME basic subsidy and P0.0017/kWh for the UC-ME REDCI.

According to the notice, these collected funds will be directly remitted to the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation (PSALM) within 15 days.

PSALM is responsible for managing the funds to support missionary electrification projects and incentives for renewable energy developers.

It was announced by ORMECO that this additional charge does not contribute to the income or profit of ORMECO, as it is directly allocated to government funds, specifically to PSALM.

“We appreciate your understanding and continued support for our cooperative,” said the management of ORMECO.

For further information, consumers can contact ORMECO at the following numbers: 0917 894 0170 or 0919 098 9700.