Pampanga electric co-op cuts systems losses

THE Pampanga III Electric Cooperative Inc. (Pelco-3) has reduced its systems losses to 12.18 percent as of October compared to around 38 percent in 2011.

Elizabeth Urbano, general manager of the cooperative, said they have almost achieved the 12-percent systems loss cap set by the Energy Regulatory Commission.

Urbano reported on the cooperative’s accomplishments to over 13,000 member-consumers during its Annual General Membership Assembly (AGMA) over the weekend.

Urbano said the lower systems loss is a result of several measures implemented by Pelco-3, including replacement of defective meters and transformers, installation of primary metering for systems loss segregation at Sto. Tomas-Minalin boundary, and rehabilitation of primary and secondary lines in several areas.

She said this equates to better utilization of energy delivered to consumers as energy losses, or those that are unaccounted or stolen or wasted, are reduced.

Urbano assured power reliability from the cooperative after the conduct of annual preventive maintenance on its Balite and Macabebe substations, and replacement of dilapidated poles, damaged insulators, lightning arresters and other defective hardware.

“We at Pelco-3, with all the developments it is experiencing, can humbly say that we are already set to take off to greater heights of performance in line, of course, with our goal of delivering the best possible electric service to our valued member-consumers,” she said.

As a way of giving back to the 70,000-strong member-consumers, the Pelco-3 administration distributed food packs, grocery packages and raffled off various home appliances and tricycles to those who attended the AGMA.

“We organized a little gift-giving, raffle prizes and entertainment to show our deepest gratitude to our valued consumer-members. And again, we are even more grateful for the support they have shown today as we have exceeded the expected number of attendees in our AGMA at 13,100,” she said.

Meanwhile, Philippine Rural Electric Cooperative Association president Presley de Jesus lauded the development achieved by Pelco-3 over the years which resulted to the improvement of its operations.

De Jesus, a native of Apalit town, also cited the efforts of the local cooperative in recognizing the value and showing its gratitude to its member-consumers through such entertaining and informative programs.

“Being a non-stock and non-profit rural electric cooperative, Pelco-3 has exceeded our expectations in valuing their member-consumers not only during this activity, but more so on their excellent delivery of service,” he said.