Power coops under watch

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Energy is reviewing all electric cooperatives' compliance with the service requirements of their respective franchises, as part of the agency's initiatives to improve power services in the provinces.

DOE Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi, in a statement, said that while electric cooperatives have been the government's long term partners in providing electricity in far-flung areas of the country, many of them have failed to carry out their mandate for various reasons.

 Cusi said these include inefficient management, corruption, unnecessary political interference, as well as institutional conflicts.

 The statement added that Cusi will request the National Electrification Administration to submit the technical and financial performance reports of ECs for the last five years.

In addition, ECs will also be asked to submit their road maps and strategies for improving their services, operations and economic viability in the next three years.

“The review will be an inclusive process. We will ask the ECs to identify their main challenges and work with them in determining long-term and sustainable solutions. For transparency purposes, the results of the review will be made available to the public," Cusi added.

Depending on the review's findings, task forces may be created to assist underperforming ECs.

For non-performing ECs, on the other hand, the DOE may recommend the cancellation of their franchises.

"As we seek to attain total electrification of the country by 2020, we will ensure that all operating ECs are providing the best services to their consumers. Our fellow countrymen deserves nothing less," Cusi further said.— FPL, (FREEMAN)