Pinoys are officially paying the highest average electricity rates in Southeast Asia, but a renewed push for nuclear power might soon offer some relief.
According to data from the Department of Energy, the country hit a record high electricity rate in June 2026 at PHP 12.43 (approx. $0.21) per kilowatt-hour. This heavy burden on consumers stems from a deep reliance on imported fossil fuels, leaving local power bills vulnerable to global price spikes and supply issues.
To tackle this crisis, the government is looking at a major shift in its long-term energy strategy. During his 2026 State of the Nation Address, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reaffirmed his commitment to integrating nuclear energy into the national power mix to stabilize supply and bring down costs.
Moving from talk to action
Advocacy group Alpas Pinas believes this endorsement marks a crucial turning point for the country. Speaking at a recent press briefing in Iloilo City, Lead Convenor Gayle Certeza explained that nuclear power serves as a reliable, low-carbon option to meet growing electricity demands.
However, Certeza emphasized that policy goals must translate into real-world steps, such as setting up proper regulatory bodies, training human capital, and educating communities with accurate information.
The legislative push for cheaper power
The legislative framework is already moving forward. Congressman Mark Cojuangco, who chairs the House Special Committee on Nuclear Energy, expressed optimism about the swift approval of House Bill No. 8567, also known as the PhilAtom Bill.
Cojuangco noted that the president’s speech officially pushes nuclear energy into the immediate development agenda of the country. The bill aims to provide incentives and a clear roadmap to safely add nuclear power to the grid, reducing the 60 percent reliance on coal and 18 percent on natural gas that currently dictates local energy prices.
