Australia and Philippines see electricity bills climb as supply costs surge

In Australia, many households received higher electricity bills after July 1 despite the regulator’s announcement of lower standing‑offer prices. Energy retailers such as Origin, AGL and EnergyAustralia changed daily supply charges, with AGL’s charge rising from 87 cents to $1.58 per day. The Australian Energy Regulator explained that most customers are on market contracts, whose prices can differ from the regulated default offer, and advised consumers to compare plans.

In the Philippines, wholesale electricity spot prices jumped 22.7 % to ₱9.56 /kWh for the June billing period, pushing up consumer bills. Prices rose sharply in the Visayas (41.7 % to ₱14.46/kWh) and Mindanao (37.5 % to ₱12.75/kWh) due to tighter supply and forced plant outages, while demand fell slightly across the grids. Analysts noted that reduced supply cushions and regional shortfalls were the main drivers of the price increase.