By Helen Castaño | 02:48 PM January 20, 2026
TAGBILARAN CITY — Electricity consumers in Bohol will see higher power bills this January after Bohol Light announced an increase in residential and commercial electricity rates, mainly due to rising generation and transmission costs across the Visayas.
For January 2026, the average residential electricity rate increased to P14.13 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), up by P1.79/kWh from the December 2025 rate of P12.34/kWh.
Meanwhile, the average commercial rate rose to P13.55/kWh, an increase of P1.80/kWh from the previous P11.76/kWh.
Bohol Light said the rate adjustment was largely driven by higher power supply costs affecting utilities throughout the Visayas.
Reasons for the rate increase
Higher generation costs (WESM).
The primary factor behind the increase is the surge in electricity prices at the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM). Beginning mid-November, power supply in the Visayas tightened due to reduced output from several power plants. This resulted in more high-price periods in the spot market, translating to higher generation costs reflected in January power bills.
Increase in line rental charges.
Line rental charges also rose sharply—by 92 percent compared to the previous month—due to the tight supply situation, further pushing up overall electricity rates.
Higher transmission charges (Ancillary Services).
Transmission costs increased as a result of higher Ancillary Service charges, which are necessary to maintain grid stability and ensure reliable power supply.
Advisory to consumers
Bohol Light emphasized that the rate hike is driven by industry-wide factors and affects all electricity consumers. As a distribution utility, the company said it does not set or control generation and transmission charges, which are determined by market conditions and regulatory approvals and are merely passed on to consumers.
The utility reiterated its commitment to transparency and assured the public that it will continue to keep consumers informed to help them better understand changes in electricity rates.
