(PNA Bacolod file photo) BACOLOD CITY - Higher power costs increased residential power rates of two distribution utilities in Negros Occidental this June. On Friday, separate data from the Central Negros Electric Cooperative (Ceneco) and Negros Occidental Electric Cooperative (Noceco) showed the rate adjustment was reflected in the generation charge and other charges. In the current billing month, Ceneco reported a rate of PHP12.11 per kilowatt hour (kWh) or an increase of PHP0.977 from last month's PHP11.14 per kWh. Ervin Stan Leo Ticar, acting general manager, said in a statement "the rate hike can be attributed to the increase in generation, transmission and systems loss charges". "(This is) caused by the surge in Palm Concepcion Power Corp (PCPC) fuel rate, increase in power cost, and other pass through charges such as value added tax," he added. Ceneco serves power consumers in the cities of Bago, Talisay, and Silay, as well as the municipalities of Murcia