Review of 8 troubled electric cooperatives completed in first half of 2019– DOE

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Energy expects to complete its review on the  eight problematic electric cooperatives (ECs) within the first half.

DOE Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella said the agency has narrowed down its evaluation from 17 ECs to eight, based on the latest update.

These include power coops in Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Ticao, Maguindanao, Abra, Lanao del Sur and Masbate.

“The issue is how do we protect the good coops. The good coops are usually the target of private entities… So Secretary (Alfonso) Cusi said we should concentrate on the ailing ones and how to improve their system,” Fuentebella said.

The review should be finished before Congress resumes session after the election season.

“The review is ongoing, but we need to have results within first half of the year  so there will be clarity before Congress resumes session,” Fuentebella said.

In reviewing the power coops, the DOE will look at the whole system such as lines design, supply forecasting, planning, monitoring, system operation, private sector participation, entry points of power plant, collection efficiency, electrification and certification  issues.

“We have to come up with a detailed report to the secretary on the possible actions on the ECs,” Fuentebella said.

The DOE earlier recommended to the House of Representatives the revocation of franchise of 17 ECs which were “underperforming and financially and technically distressed.”

The recommendation has been withdrawn to further evaluate and assess the present status and performance of the said ECs.