Electric cooperative, consumer group team up for transparency

GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Philippines — The Bantay Kuryente Movement and the South Cotabato II Electric Cooperative (SOCOTECO II) are strengthening ties through a partnership aimed at enhancing consumer education and transparency in cooperative operations.

On March 11, 2026, representatives of Bantay Kuryente and SOCOTECO II met at the cooperative’s Apopong office to discuss pressing consumer concerns, including electricity rates, brownouts, responsiveness to complaints and the need for improved communication channels. 

Bantay Kuryente raised issues about delays in responses to consumer complaints filed through SOCOTECO II’s hotline and Facebook page. Both parties acknowledged the importance of upgrading these platforms to ensure timely and effective resolution of member-consumer-owners (MCOs) concerns.

SOCOTECO II expressed openness to collaborate with Bantay Kuryente in information, education, and communication (IEC) initiatives. The partnership seeks to empower MCOs by deepening their understanding of cooperative governance, rights, and responsibilities, while promoting responsible electricity use.

In a follow-up statement on March 13, Bantay Kuryente welcomed the recognition as a “partner consumer group” and committed to constructive engagement. A joint team composed of Bantay Kuryente members and SOCOTECO II’s Institutional Services Department will design IEC activities to be rolled out across General Santos City, Sarangani Province, and parts of South Cotabato.

SOCOTECO II is facing strong backlash after abruptly raising electricity rates, rotational brownouts, and failing to provide clear information about privatization negotiations with Meralco and Ignite/More Power.

Bantay Kuryente clarified it does not oppose joint venture proposals to improve SOCOTECO II’s services but emphasized the need for transparency, accountability, and a competitive selection process should privatization or partnerships be pursued.

Both groups expressed optimism that the collaboration will benefit communities served by SOCOTECO II, ensuring consumer voices are heard and cooperative operations remain transparent.