NPC urged to work on lowering electricity costs

The National Power Corp (NPC) should work to reduce the universal charge for missionary electrification (UCME) subsidy to possibly bring down electricity rates for consumers connected to the main transmission grid, according to Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian.

- By CECILLE SUERTE FELIPE

During a recent Senate hearing on the proposed budget of the NPC, Gatchalian said the government-owned and controlled corporation is mandated by law to energize far-flung, off-grid areas and islands in the country.

“Look for ways to reduce the UCME. I know that hybridization is one and connecting to the grid could be another,” he told NPC officials.

The UCME is used to subsidize the more expensive cost of providing electricity in off-grid areas.