PANAY Electric Company (PECO) has received many complaints about meter reading errors in bills submitted to its customers.
As a result, the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) passed Ordinance No 2017-095 which requires PECO to establish a meter reading card system that updates consumers of their electricity consumption.
PECO filed a case contesting SP’s ordinance. As a result, Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 39 scheduled a hearing. Allegedly, PECO did not turn up so the Court dismissed its case. Now it is reported that PECO will be filing a motion for reconsideration.
Why?
PECO seems to have missed its opportunity.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that PECO is prepared to develop an adversarial relationship with its customers when there is a disagreement about billing.
In contrast, my experience with Central Negros Electric Cooperative (Ceneco) was amicable. Some time ago, I received a bill that seemed high. I phoned Ceneco which sent a representative who established that a meter reading error had transpired which caused my reported consumption to be 100 kilowatt hours higher than the actual.
The rep kindly explained that the error would correct itself on the next reading. Which it did. Problem solved! No adversity. PECO should do the same.
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PECO reportedly says the Iloilo city council has no authority to enact a meter reading card system ordinance because PECO is under the regulatory supervision of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC). If so, why did it file a case with RTC Branch 39? And not follow through.
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There are signs that the ERC, under the stewardship of chair and chief executive Agnes Devanadera, is aware of the abuses to which consumers are subjected as a result of faulty contracts. The 2011 contract between Ceneco and Kepco Salcon is a spectacular example.
Ludicrous over-contracting is involved. This, coupled with a disadvantageous clause in which consumers have to pay for electricity not needed, not wanted, and not received has resulted in a loss of P232 million to the consumers.
My understanding is that this contract also required the approval of ERC. Why was it approved?
But contracts do not last forever. The first contract between Ceneco and Kepco Salcon was signed in 2007, with the approval of ERC. My understanding is that it expires in 2021. Ceneco should make a decision now that it does not intend to renew.
And what about PECO? Its license is due to expire in 2019. Is there really nobody who can take over?
It is high time that consumers should stop being bullied.
In the past, the ERC has been demonstrably part of the problem.
Is it going to be part of the solution in the future?
Watch this space./PN
