DoE reviews franchise of EC

Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi announced Friday it will review all electric cooperatives’ (EC) compliance to the service requirements of their respective franchises as part of the agency’s initiatives to improve power services in the provinces by enhancing EC performance.

While cooperatives have been the government’s long term partners in providing electricity in far-flung areas of the country, many EC have failed to carry out their mandate for various reasons. These include inefficient management, corruption, unnecessary political interference and institutional conflicts.

The DoE will also look into the rise in missionary subsidies in areas in Occidental Mindoro, Catanduanes, Marinduque and Tablas.

Cusi said he will request the National Electrification Administration to submit the technical and financial performance reports of EC for the last five years.

In addition, EC will also be asked to submit their road maps and strategies for improving their services plus 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 said.

Depending on the review’s findings, task forces may be created to assist underperforming EC. For non-performing EC, on the other hand, the DOE may recommend the cancelation 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,” said Cusi.