PECO challenges ERC findings on operational lapses

MANILA, Philippines —  Panay Electric Co., (PECO) is challenging the findings of operational lapses uncovered by the Energy Regulatory Commission when the ERC inspected the utility’s electric distribution system.

“We will be communicating our clarification point-by-point in a letter that we will be sending to the ERC very soon,” PECO said in a statement.

ERC’s findings showed that PECO committed lapses in its operations and maintenance of distribution system, thereby posing danger and risks to the lives and properties of consumers, ERC chairperson and chief executive officer Agnes Devanadera said.

“We aim to respectfully clarify the points brought up in the notice given to PECO,” the company said.

The findings of the ERC inspection team showed that PECO’s protective devices were not properly rated and designed.

However, PECO said it has multiple protective devices that have proper ratings and designs for each of its feeder lines and down to its secondary lines.

“We would like to point out that with our current protective devices in place, the lives and properties of our valued consumers were never affected in all the fire incidents related to this matter not unless the fire comes from within the consumers’ structure already,” it said.

The ERC also raised the issue of leaning poles and those that are in unsafe positions.

“We would like to stress that PECO has a regular pole replacement and relocation program in place every year in order to cope with the DPWH projects being implemented around Iloilo City.

We also have maintenance activities in order to straighten certain poles that tend to lean after some time. This is a year-to-year activity since coordinating with telco and cable companies take time,” PECO said.

Some meters were also  found to be clustered and installed in an elevated metering center (EMC) without securing prior ERC approval.

PECO, however, clarified that it has filed for 40 EMC sites during the last regulatory period.

It was also found that the certificate of authority (CA) for PECO’s meter shop expired on Nov. 18 and PECO has not yet filed an application for the renewal.

“Also, contrary to the ERC’s report, PECO has been constantly coordinating with the ERC Visayas head office with regard to its documentary requirements in relation to the renewal of our meter shop certificate of authority (CA),” PECO said.