Monday, August 13, 2007 Power coop gets ready for possible ‘crisis’ By Gil Alfrtedo B. Severino
NEGROS Occidental Electric Cooperative Inc. (Noceco) president John Peter Millan forecasted that Visayas will be able to cope with the power crisis by 2011.
Millan was referring to the recent Noceco sales contract with Kepco Electric Power Corporation-Salcon Power Corporation for the purchase of 10 megawatts electric supply.
"This is in preparation for the so-called energy crisis which will hit the whole Visayas region in 2011," Millan said.
"With the presence of these independent power producers (IPP), all electric cooperatives can avail of power supply other than that of National Power Corporation (Napocor)," Millan added.
Millan however raised two issues with regard the Kepco-Salcon IPP, saying, "This could entail increase electricity cost that the final consumer must bear and we cannot discount the fact that Kepco-Ssalcon used coal in its production and is now based in Cebu. Environmentalists are up against this."
As to the environment issue, Millan said, "Until they can offer an alternative, we cannot afford to sacrifice our more than 100,000 consumers. Besides, Kepco-Salcon had invested in advance technology to pass environmental clearances.
"The Department of Energy does not stop in finding ways to look for alternative, renewable source of energy. I believe, we will soon find an alternative which is environmentally friendly," Millan said.
"As to the cost of energy, Noceco now is a permanent member of the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) and, therefore, is exempted from franchise tax, business tax and realty tax. At the end of the year, Noceco members are entitled to a patronage refund just like any cooperative," he said.
"This way, whatever increase cost that may be incurred by Noceco because of power upgrade will not hurt its members that much," he added.
