CONSUMER group Power Watch Negros will air various issues concerning the power sector during the Annual General Membership Assembly of the Central Negros Electric Cooperative (Ceneco) on Sunday, April 30, at the Bacolod Tay Tung High School gym.
Secretary General Wennie Sancho of Power Watch Negros, in a press conference yesterday, said they are bringing to the assembly issues like the power rate increase of P1.26 per kilowatt hour (kWh) imposed by Ceneco to its residential consumers.
Sancho said the rate increase was the result of the upward movement in the prices of dollar-denominated imported coal and diesel fuel.
“As power generators or suppliers adjusted their rates, these are being passed on to the consumers. However, when there is an oil price rollback, there is no reduction in electric rates,” he added.
On the group’s question regarding the cooperative’s transparency and accountability in acquiring Electric Power Purchase Agreement (EPPA), Power Watch will also raise concern on the pending joint application of the Kepco Salcon Power Corporation and Ceneco before the Energy Regulatory Commission amounting to P232 million.
It will also demand for clarification on the differential billing of P147 million claimed by Filinvest Development Corporation Utilities Incorporated and the allegations of over-contracting in the power purchase agreement concluded between Ceneco and Palm Concepcion Power Corporation.
Sancho said they have already registered their opposition against the EPPA between between Ceneco and PCPC, which was already forwarded by ERC to its Investigation and Enforcement Division for appropriate action.
Energy Undersecretary Petronillo Ilagan has also endorsed the group’s complaint on over-contracting to the National Electrification Administration for appropriate action with an advice to remain vigilant in its advocacy, he added.
The annual assembly, now its 41st year, is expected to gather about 5,000 consumer-members, said Roel Venus, chief of Member-Consumers Integrated Services Division.
This year’s theme is “An Informed Judgment, A Key to a Better Choice for Ceneco.” with guest speaker Bacolod City Lone District Representative Greg Gasataya.
“We will have reports from technical, financial, institutional matters for 2016,” Venus said.
Two newly-elected members of the Board of Directors, Roy Cordova of District IV and Noel Alarcon of Talisay City District will also take their oath of office during the assembly.
Ceneco President Arnel Lapore earlier said it was already decided that the referendum on status of the cooperative will be held in November to give way for a lengthy discussion and study on the matter.
This is whether Ceneco will remain under the National Electrification Administration, will be under the Cooperative Development Authority, will become a non-stock company.
Lapore will deliver the President’s Report during the assembly.