National Electrification Administration (NEA) chief Antonio Mariano Almeda highlighted the resolution of power supply problems and other issues faced by electric cooperatives (ECs) in Benguet, Occidental Mindoro, and Maguindanao among the major accomplishments of the Agency this 2023.

The Administrator delivered his report during a thanksgiving gathering hosted by the Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association, Inc. (PHILRECA) last Monday evening, 18 December 2023. He noted in particular the improved electricity situation in Occidental Mindoro after a period of crisis.

“The pressure was not only coming from the people of Occidental Mindoro. From what I have seen when I went there, talagang nakakaawa, ang init-init sa (it was really heartbreaking, it was so hot in) Mindoro… Imagine 20 hours of brownout? So, we came up with solutions,” Administrator Almeda said.

The NEA worked with Occidental Mindoro Electric Cooperative, Inc. (OMECO) and its electricity provider, the Occidental Mindoro Consolidated Power Corporation (OMCPC), to expedite key energy generation projects in the area to secure much-needed power supply.

Last 22 November 2023, the Administrator revisited the province to inspect the OMCPC agrivoltaic farm, among other power plants, which is expected for commissioning later this month. The solar plant is already 92 percent complete, according to the NEA chief, citing latest report he received.

The completion and commissioning of the solar power plant will pave the way for an application with the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to grant a provisional authority in favor of the power supply agreement between OMECO and OMCPC, making them eligible to apply for the universal charge for missionary electrification (UCME) subsidy.

The Administrator also welcomed the restoration of industrial peace in Benguet Electric Cooperative (BENECO) following the reinstatement of Engr. Melchor Licoben as general manager (GM). Licoben was part of Task Force BENECO, who teamed up with the NEA to settle a leadership dispute in the co-op.

“Gusto ko lang naman, namin, maiayos ang (We only wanted to fix) BENECO,” Administrator Almeda said. The NEA executive thanked Licoben and the rest of the task force for not giving up, thus bringing a sense of normalcy back in the Baguio City-based power co-op.

Further, Administrator Almeda is grateful for ECs mostly in Mindanao, which answered his call and extended their support to Maguindanao Electric Cooperative, Inc. (MAGELCO). He proudly noted that its distribution services and collection efficiency are now improving because of upgraded facilities.

“Ang mga taga-Mindanao, hindi ako naniniwalang ayaw magbayad (ng kuryente). Gusto lang po nila malinaw ang binabayaran nila (I don’t believe that the people of Mindanao do not want to pay for electricity. They only want to be clear on what they are paying for),” the NEA chief said.

Administrator Almeda expressed similar appreciation for ECs in Central Luzon under Task Force Kapatid, which promptly responded to aid the Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative, Inc. (INEC) when it grappled with the aftermath of Super Typhoon “Egay” (Doksuri) back in July.

“I found in NEA (and) in our cooperatives what the word ‘brotherhood’ means; what it means to love and support (each other) that whenever (help) is needed, you will not have second thoughts. Thank you,” Administrator Almeda told EC officials and employees present at the PHILRECA gathering. ###