LAOAG CITY, April 10 -- Noting the increasing air-conditioning units and electric fans usage, especially since heat index are rising to dangerous levels this April, the Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative (INEC) has decided to reduce its rates to help consumers.

In a briefing on Wednesday, INEC acting general manager Cipriano Martinez said they have negotiated with their power supplier to delay the payment of around PHP13 million, from the total amount of PHP200 million, to lessen the cost among their consumers.

"We are deferring a portion of our payment to Aboitiz [Power Corporation] to temporarily reduce electricity rates for April," he said.

This means that from PHP10.9988 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), the electricity rate billing for Apri...