Lights out in Abra

THE lapses of Abra Electric Cooperative (Abreco) in payments have pushed power provider, AP Renewables Inc. (Apri), to terminate its contract with the province of Benguet.

The Apri issued a notice of termination of contract with the Abreco in January 10, which took effect Thursday, January 24. The cutting of power supply was experienced in all areas of the province.

Apri senior vice president Juan Alfonso said the company is within its legal rights to end its power supply agreement with Abreco after the cooperative repeatedly failed to meet its responsibilities as stipulated in the contract.

“We have extended every possible assistance to Abreco, including the restructuring of its payables, immediate credit of rate adjustment difference and the rescheduling of the required security deposit. This is because of our desire to serve the cooperative and the people of Abra,” Alfonso said.

The electric cooperative remained remiss on its payments, issuing to APRI a total of 15 unfunded checks during the duration of the contract. A commitment to enroll at the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market was also not realized.

Apri has issued a total of six disconnection notices to Abreco.

In December, the cooperative paid its November power billing of P15.3 million fighting off another disconnection notice during the holidays. The payment was the last the Apri received.