JORDAN, Guimaras – Guimaras Electric Cooperative (GUIMELCO) has received inquiries regarding a complaint filed by certain individuals with the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC). However, GUIMELCO has yet to receive a copy of the complaint.
“We cannot comment on the issue at this time because we have not reviewed its contents,” said GUIMELCO General Manager Shirley S. Laurente. “We will respond appropriately once the ERC acts on it and we receive a copy of such complaints.”
Regarding the increase in electricity rates in August this 2024, GUIMELCO had previously explained that the primary cause was the high line rental charges imposed by the Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines (IEMOP). These charges were due to the congestion in the grid resulting from the implementation of the N-1 Contingency Plan by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) in the Panay Grid, as well as the staggered payment scheme for IEMOP bills as per the ERC directive. These factors were beyond the control of GUIMELCO and are entirely attributable to IEMOP.
“We are puzzled as to why there are calls to cancel our power supply contracts with PEDC (Panay Energy Development Corporation) and GNPK when these contracts have no bearing on the August 2024 power bill increase,” GM Laurente emphasized. “In fact, our contracts with PEDC and GNPK ensure stable prices and shield both GUIMELCO and our member-consumer-owners (MCOs) from market (IEMOP) price volatility, which can sometimes be significantly higher.”
In response to the situation, GUIMELCO has already taken proactive measures. Due to a joint request with other electric cooperatives in the region, the NGCP has lifted the N-1 Contingency Plan, leading to a gradual decrease in power rates starting September 2024 billing. GUIMELCO is also expecting a lower electricity rate for October 2024 as the grid stabilizes.
“As a cooperative, we share the same goal as our consumers – to lower electricity rates,” GM Laurente added. “We are electricity consumers, too, and we are working hard to ensure that our rates remain as affordable as possible.”/PN
