South Cotabato electric co-op flags possible rate hikes as El Niño looms
The South Cotabato I Electric Cooperative warned that the approaching El Niño could push electricity rates higher after already raising September 2026 bills.
SOCOTECO-I announced a rate increase for the September 2026 billing cycle and cautioned that the upcoming El Niño weather pattern may further strain power supplies on Mindanao. General manager Raffee Edsel Epistola said the cooperative is monitoring the situation closely, noting that plant shutdowns have already left the grid vulnerable. If the climate event reduces generation, consumers could see additional tariff adjustments.
Why it matters
Potential rate hikes affect household budgets and highlight the vulnerability of Mindanao's power supply to climate events.
In this story
electricity ratesEl Niñopower supplyrate increaseMindanao gridutility warningenergy tariffs
