Hedcor forges power supply deal with BUSECO

MANILA, Philippines - Hedcor Inc., the hydropower subsidiary of Aboitiz Power Corp., has forged a power supply deal with Bukidnon Second Electric Cooperative Inc. (BUSECO).

Under the energy supply agreement signed last Nov. 10, Hedcor will supply BUSECO’s francise area with five megawatts next year.

With the supply deal, the electric cooperative can achieve its goal to deliver adequate power to its customers using local and sustainable resources, BUSECO general manager Deiter Hoff Arellano said.

“We must have a reliable partner in order for us to deliver a reliable and sustainable power supply to our customers,” he said.

“Thanks to Hedcor for the opportunity, for giving us part of the power that will be generated from the hydropower plant. At the end of the day, the ultimate beneficiary is our member consumer-owners,” Arellano said.

At present, BUSECO provides electricity to Malaybalay City, the towns of Lantapan, Cabanglasan, Impasugong, Sumilao, Malitbog, Libona, Manolo Fortich, Baungon and Talakag, and Barangay Lilingayon of Valencia City.

The power supply will be sourced from Hedcor’s Manolo Fortich hydropower project, which is currently under construction and is targeted for completion by the second quarter of 2017.

“Manolo Fortich Hydro will enable us to further our commitment to support the energy needs of our country, particularly Mindanao. We remain committed to provide reliable, ample and competitively priced power, generated with the least possible adverse effects on our environment and host communities,” said Rolando Pacquiao, Hedcor’s vice president for operations in Mindanao.

The $280.4-million Manolo Fortich project will be the latest addition to Aboitiz Power’s growing portfolio of renewable energy in the country under the Cleanergy brand.

Apart from the Manolo Fortich facility, Hedcor owns and operates 22 run-of-river hydropower plants with a combined capacity of 185 MW. In Mindanao alone, Hedcor operates nine run-of-river hydropower plants with a total capacity of 60 MW.