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CENECO aims to reduce power rates by P1 per KWh by June

Central Negros Electric Cooperative acting general manager, Danny Pondevilla, said today, January 14, that he is aiming to reduce CENECO’s power rates by P1 per KWh by June.

Pondevilla, at a press conference, reiterated that his two priorities are to reduce power interruptions and rates at the cooperative.

Power rates can be lowered by ensuring that power supply contracts of the cooperative are based on thorough studies by experts, among several other measures, he said.

Excess power purchased by CENECO will lead to higher rates for consumers, he said.

CENECO’s contract with KEPCO for 40 megawatts of power will expire by May, he said. Instead of 40 megawatts, Ceneco will conduct a competitive bidding for a 20-megawatt contract that is the reasonable amount needed by the cooperative, he said.

He said CENECO should have lower power rates compared to all other cooperatives in Negros Island because it is very compact, and its consumers are mostly commercial and industrial users.

Pondevilla also said power interruptions can be avoided by ensuring that CENECO purchases quality equipment.

They need to plan maintenance work to avoid lengthy power interruptions during the day, he said.

Maintenance work will be done from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m. to lessen disruptions to people’s lives, he added.

They will also ensure that CENECO transformers are not overloaded to prevent them from busting and causing power interruptions, Pondevilla said.

Pondevilla also stressed the need to change the work ethic at the cooperative, it should not end at 5 p.m., it must be 24/7 in the service of its consumers.

He also pledged to keep CENECO’s operations transparent to eradicate suspicions of corruption.

Pondevilla pointed out that he has reorganized Ceneco’s bids and awards committee by including observers from consumer groups and their labor union.

They will be given invitations every time we have biddings at CENECO, he said, adding that he hopes they actively attend.

The biddings will also be open to the media, he added

Pondevilla said he is also creating an advisory council with members from consumer groups, so every time there are issues against the cooperative they can be clarified.

The advisory council can have access to whatever data they need in relation to the operations of the cooperative, he said.

Pondevilla said he has also issued an office order reorganizing the CENECO hiring and promotions committee, which will include representatives from the rank and file, supervisory and managerial groups.

This is to avoid accusations that politics is behind promotions, that board members have intervened and relatives have been hired, he added.*

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