DOE urges LGUs to help provide electricity to poor communities

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Energy (DOE) is urging the local government units to strengthen their participation in providing electricity services to poor communities as it further expands its electrification program.

The DOE said it remains committed to fulfil its household electrification program, especially benefiting those living in economically depressed communities by providing them legal, secure, safe and stable supply of electricity.

“The DOE enjoins local officials and leaders to get more actively involved in ensuring safe legal electrical connections to protect communities thereby allowing the cities and municipalities to also earn more revenues from delivering better services to the people,” it said.

Under RA 7832, or the Anti-Pilferage of Electricity and Theft of Electric Transmission lines/Materials Act of 1994, the unlawful use of electricity covers wire-tapping, tampering, installing, or using tampered electrical meter, jumper, current reversing transformer, shorting or shunting wire, loop connection or any attempt to destroy any accessory of the metering device box which encases an electric meter or its metering accessories.

On July 7, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi met with Meralco officials to provide electricity services to poor communities within its franchise area.

As Energy Secretary, Cusi has set a goal of 100 percent household electrification, including the marginalized and informal settlers.