A consumer group is calling for transparency in BENECO operations.
Partners for Affordable and Reliable Energy (PARE) has called on the Benguet Electric Cooperative (BENECO) to be more transparent and more efficient in its communication regarding the power restoration in its franchise area.
Nic Satur Jr, PARE, Chief Advocate Officer said “We respectfully urge BENECO to keep consumers and local leaders fully informed with clear, detailed, timely updates on the coordination and technical resolution with the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), whose restoration of transmission supply is critical for re-energizing many affected circuits in northern municipalities.”
The consumer group asked the electric cooperative to maintain clear communication whose transmission repairs will determine the full timeline for restoration in several areas. Satur said.
BENECO reported 104 backbone lines remain down, with the largest damage seen in Buguias (26 poles) and Kabayan (20 poles) towns which may take two weeks to fully restore electricity after Typhoon Uwan wreaked havoc over the weekend.
Damages are now pegged at P10.1 million composed, with substation equipment, primary poles and lines, transformers, and protective devices damaged.
PARE in a statement explained consumers living in affected communities possess the most accurate understanding of the daily realities and hardships caused by power interruptions and prolonged restoration.
“Including our voices in task force resilience discussions and planning sessions ensures that policies are grounded in lived experience, resulting in more practical, responsive, and effective solutions for disaster recovery and energy service improvement at the grassroots level,” Satur said.
The group also called on the Energy Regulatory Commission and the Department of Energy to strengthen its oversight to ensure that cost increases translate into genuinely improved service and disaster resilience, not just upward adjustments in monthly bills. “PARE has appealed for climate-proofing our sector for years.
PARE commends the work BENECO linemen but reiterates it’s call for management to employ transparent, climate-proofing, and faster power restoration.
“While PARE commends the dedicated field crews, engineers, warriors of light, and management of BENECO for their efficient response following Typhoon Uwan’s impact, PARE observed lapses in keeping consumers informed about power restoration efforts and in providing day-to-day updates amid the typhoon,” Satur said.
In the Cordillera and surrounding areas, cooperatives impacted include the Nueva Vizcaya Electric Cooperative Inc. (NUVELCO), Ifugao Electric Cooperative Inc. (IFELCO), Mountain Province Electric Cooperative Inc. (MOPRECO), and the Benguet Electric Cooperative (BENECO). Maria Elena Catajan