THE Bacolod City Council approved a resolution requesting the officials of Central Negros Electric Cooperative (Ceneco) to provide a written explanation on the estimated 80-centavo per kilowatt hour increase within 10 days.

The resolution asking Ceneco General Manager Sulpicio Lagarde Jr., and President Roy Cordova to explain was authored by Councilor Wilson Gamboa. It was approved during the regular session yesterday, May 9.

Gamboa said the consumers of Bacolod are being burdened financially by the “hefty” power rate increase.

He added the right to information is enshrined in the 1987 Constitution and the desire for more transparency, accountability, recognition of the power of information, and the valued participation of the citizens in public affairs are well justified by past experiences.

The councilor noted that Ceneco has imposed power rate increases to its consumers, in peso per kilowatt hour, such as .3350 generation charge, .0266 transmission charge, 0493 system loss, 0817 kepco-Salcon Corporation Power Adjustment and .3094 Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation adjustment.

Gamboa disclosed that the power utility firm imposed a total of .802 effective power rate reflective in March and April billings. (MAP)