AN OFFICIAL of Bukidnon Second Electric Cooperative (Buseco), on Wednesday, said no blackouts will be implemented on September 15 in the power firm's entire service area after the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) directed the Bukidnon Sub-Transmission Corporation (BSTC) to stop its disconnection and suspension of service to Buseco.
"Walay disconnection nga mahitabo ug walay blackout," Theresa Justaga, Buseco corporate communication officer, said.
In the statement released by the ERC on Wednesday, the commission ordered BSTC not to discontinue its services to Buseco in view of the latter's alleged failure to pay its delinquent accounts with BSTC.
"The ERC acted with dispatch on the petition of Buseco for the issuance of a cease and desist order against BSTC to avert any negative socio-economic impact that will be caused by the suspension of Buseco’s electric service," ERC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jose Salazar said.
The power firm sought ERC's intervention through a petition they filed on September 9 asking the commission to issue a cease and desist order and to direct BSTC not to disconnect Buseco on September 15 and on any other date.
The BSTC had warned Buseco that it would implement suspension of service due to the former's alleged P7.1 million unpaid connection charge covering the February to August obligation this year.
The ERC said the disconnection would have deprived Buseco‘s entire franchise area of electricity service since Buseco would not receive electricity through the BSTC sub-transmission system for the duration of the suspension of service.
"Considering that such disconnection will cause serious and irreparable damage to the consumers, the commission directed the parties to observe the status quo prevailing before the issuance of the notice of disconnection and refrain from the intended disconnection of Buseco's facilities," Salazar said.
The ERC also directed Buseco to pay at least ten percent of the latter's outstanding balance pending the hearing and disposition of the case.
Buseco maintained that it is willing to pay the amount if BSTC can provide the legal basis duly approved by ERC.
"Sa karon wala man gud existing kontrata walay basis nga amo silang bayaran and wala pay ERC approval sa ilang rate application. We will pay basta naa lang legal basis kay as an organization dili basta-basta magdisburse og kwarta nga walay basihan," Justaga said.
Buseco also dismissed speculations that it has gone bankrupt.
Justaga said Buseco will also pay the 10 percent of the outstanding balance or P719,072 as ordered by the commission.
"Karon nga adlaw mi magbayad sa 10 percent kay naa man order from ERC," Justaga said.
ERC is set to rule on the validity of the rate application of BSTC.