ILOILO City – Public interest is the primordial concern. Given the crucial role of regional economies in the country’s overall progress, uninterrupted energy services in Iloilo is of utmost importance, according to the Department of Energy (DOE).
To ensure the continuous delivery of electricity services in Iloilo City, Energy secretary Alfonso Cusi met with representatives of Panay Electric Company (PECO) and power suppliers Panay Power Corporation, Panay Energy Development Corporation and Palm Concepcion Power Corporation on Jan. 17
PECO’s power distribution franchise has expired. Congress has not renewed it.
According to Cusi, Thursday’s meeting was called to coordinate the actions of concerned power industry players pending the resolution of the issue on the franchise to operate the distribution system in Iloilo City.
“We are assuring our kababayans in Iloilo City that there will be no power disruptions due to the franchise issues. In the interim, PECO will remain as the power service provider in the area,” said Cusi
PECO agreed to continue operating even after its franchise’s expiration.
It also vowed to honor its power and transmission supply agreements and its responsibilities with the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market and other service providers.
DOE said PECO could continue its services since the Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity issued by the then Energy Regulatory Board is set to expire on May 25, 2019 yet.
“This is based on the provisions of the Public Service Law and the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001. The consumers should likewise continue to recognize PECO as the power distribution service provider and acknowledge their obligations,” said Cusi.
Also present in the meeting were officials from the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, Philippine Electricity Market Corporation, and the Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines.
DOE is scheduled to call for another meeting next week to discuss developments on the matter.
“We are in close coordination with all concerned stakeholders, including the Energy Regulatory Commission, to ensure that Iloilo will not be left in the dark. The entire energy family remains committed in seeking solutions that would make energy services more reliable and sustainable throughout the country,” said Cusi. (With a report from www.doe.gov.ph/PN)
