NORECO-I to implement 'No Disconnection Policy'
VALLEHERMOSO, Negros Oriental, Feb. 22 (PIA) -- The Negros Oriental Electric Cooperative (NORECO-I) will comply with the national government’s directive to implement the “No Disconnection Policy” for “lifeline electric consumers” in their coverage area.
NORECO-I General Manager Jose Juvileo Acabal assured the electric cooperative’s cooperation on this matter but he also encouraged lifeline consumers to pay their electric bills when they can.
“Kami mosunod mi ana kay order na sa atong Presidente. Duna na sab to dugang sugyot didto na kung kaya nila bayaran, ila ra pod bayaran. Bisag di sila maputlan, unya maabot ug pila kabulan matingob man pod to (We will comply with this because it is an order coming from the President. However, lifeline consumers are also encouraged to pay their dues if they can pay for it. Even though there won’t be a disconnection, their dues will still accumulate in the coming months),” Acabal said.
“Makasabot mi ana pila kabulan siguro ato na himoon. Unya amo hangyuon ang lifeline consumers kung naa sila makit-an na kwarta, ila ra pod hinay-hinayan ug bayad (We understand their situation. However, we also appeal to lifeline consumers to pay their electric bills by installment when they have the money),” he added.
Acabal explained that NORECO-I considers Member-Consumer-Owners (MCOs) as lifeline electric consumers when they consume 20 KWH or below or equivalent to P200 monthly electric consumption.
Earlier this month, PRes. Rodrigo Roa Duterte approve the extension of the “No Disconnection Policy” for low-income electric consumers who cannot pay their electric dues amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
In line with this, National Electrification Administration (NEA) Administrator Edgardo Masongsong issued a call to electric cooperatives and distribution utilities to fully observe the implementation of the directives issued by the Department of Energy (DOE).
A press release posted at NEA website said that “this will apply to all unpaid regular bills and installment payments relative to various advisories of the DOE and the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).”
It also stated that “all power consumers who are still unable to pay their bills may coordinate with their DUs to enter into socially equitable and manageable payment terms to prevent eventual disconnection of electricity services.”
A report from Philippine News Agency (PNA) cited Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles informing the public through a virtual presser that lifeline consumers or low-income electric consumers comprise 32 percent of the customer base.
In northern Negros Oriental which is the area of operations of NORECO-I, lifeline consumers account for 15 to 20 percent of the total MCOs of the electric cooperative. (ral/PIA7-Negros Oriental)
News Feed:
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1067956
Latest News | Philippine Information Agency
Philpar