Calbayog LGU, SAMELCO I Discuss Rising Power Rates

Posted on September 30, 2026 at 9:02 am

Calbayog City, Samar — The Calbayog City Government met with officials of Samar Electric Cooperative I (SAMELCO I) on September 24 to discuss concerns over the increase in electricity rates.

The public dialogue was held at the Calbayog City Convention Center and attended by Mayor Raymund “Monmon” C. Uy, Vice Mayor Rex M. Daguman, SAMELCO I General Manager Atty. Edson G. Picson, city councilors and representatives from different sectors.

The meeting allowed city officials and stakeholders to ask SAMELCO I about the recent changes in electricity rates and the charges reflected in consumers’ bills.

SAMELCO I’s effective power rate for September was P15.4664 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), compared with P12.7667/kWh in August. This means an increase of P2.6997 per kWh.

The cooperative said the increase was mainly due to higher generation costs, including line loss and congestion charges.

Vice Mayor Daguman said the city government called the dialogue to get a clearer explanation of the rate increase and discuss possible steps to help consumers deal with higher electricity costs.

City officials and other participants also raised concerns about the effect of the higher rates on households and businesses.

The city government said it plans to continue discussions with concerned groups as it looks into the concerns raised by electricity consumers.

Photo: Screengrab from the official Facebook page of Vice Mayor Rex Daguman