Tuesday, September 25, 2007 Mini-hydros to energize remote areas in Benguet By Jane Cadalig
THE Benguet Electric Cooperative (Beneco) is venturing into mini-hydro operations as one of the means to provide electricity to far-flung areas, particularly in Benguet.
Melchor Licoben, head of Beneco's engineering department, said the establishment of mini-hydro and pico hydros in remote areas in the province was identified as the most practical way to bring power to households there.
Pico-hydro is a power generation technology which could generate 10 to 1,000 kilowatts. Mini-hydro generates 1,000 kilowatts or more.
Licoben said Beneco is conducting a feasibility study of these technologies in Barangay Lusod in Kabayan, one of the villages yet to be energized due to the difficulty of bringing poles to the area.
The National Electrification Administration "responded positively" to Beneco's request for funding for the extension of lines to the three barangays -- Takadang and Badeo in Kibunga and Lusod in Kabayan.
"We need at least P14 million for this and we are looking into the possibility of using the fund instead for the development of pico hydros in the area," Licoben said, adding an initial amount of P4 million was already released.
He said 1,000 kilowatts of energy produced from these technologies could energize around 30 households.
Establishing a mini or pico-hydro costs P100,000 and could be installed in one day.
