During the consultation, Engr. Darrel Sultan, Officer-In-Charge of the Corporate Planning Department, explained how a distribution utility works, while Mr. Francis Ian A. Fedoc, Finance Manager, discussed the guidelines set by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) in formulating rates and the details of charges, which were approved by ERC before implementation.
To reduce systems loss, SOCOTECO-I has Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) projects application with ERC which shall be funded by Reinvestment Fund for Sustainable CAPEX or RFSC such as the construction of power substations, replacement and relocation of kWh meters to prevent energy theft/pilferage. Engr. Michael N. Marcella, Technical Manager, thoroughly explained that power interruptions cause a halt in business operations, revenue loss, and affects the reliability of the electric service of the Coop to its electricity consumers. Thus, power interruptions are non-beneficial both to the MCOs and SOCOTECO-I.
Mr. Santiago C. Tudio, the former GM of SOCOTECO-I, who was likewise invited to the open forum, explained that the construction of an 11.9MW Bunker Fuel Fired power plant by Supreme Power Corporation (SPC) was the soundest decision made by the Management and the Board during the power shortage crisis that confronted the entire Island of Mindanao from 2010-2014. He also acknowledged that the contract with SPC is a risk that the Coop took but was necessary to ensure reliable service. Additionally, he lobbied for a reduction in Real Property Tax (RPT) to help decrease electricity rates.
GM Epistola expressed gratitude to the Sangguninang Panalalawigan for this opportunity to speak and reach out to MCOs, media partners and other stakeholders.
SOCOTECO-I is continuously working on to ensure that the electricity rate remains reasonable for its MCOs and has devised a set of initiatives and plans to improve its operations.