Local residents in this “renewable energy capital” are urged to help conserve energy as ongoing tensions in the Middle East drive oil price volatility, officials said Thursday.
Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative (INEC) General Manager Cipriano Martinez III warned consumers of an expected double-digit increase in power rates this month due to shipping disruptions and higher insurance premiums.
“We urge our member-consumer-owners to make the necessary adjustments in our use of electricity as we expect a surge to double digits of our electricity rates in our household,” Martinez said in a media interview at the INEC main branch in Dingras town.
Based on simulations of the effects of crude oil price increases, Martinez said the February 2026 power rate of PHP9.95 per kilowatt-hour in the province will likely rise to PHP11.30 in the next billing.
A province-wide energy conservation campaign is ongoing to help mitigate the impact.
“In our own little way, let’s conserve electricity. If this stays longer, it will affect us more,” Martinez said, expressing hope that the conflict will end and crude oil prices will stabilize.
In a separate interview, Gov. Cecilia Araneta-Marcos said the provincial government is considering daylight-saving measures to conserve energy in government offices. She also noted the continuing implementation of a fuel subsidy program for tricycle and jeepney drivers to cushion the impact of oil price hikes.
“We are going to try as much as possible to help out affected sectors, particularly our public transport groups,” Araneta-Marcos said at the Laoag City Centennial Arena.
By Leilanie Adriano(PNA)