AKELCO committed to "keep the lights on"

Lezo, Aklan - "We will keep the lights on".  This is the assurance of General Manager Chito R. Peralta to Aklan Electric Cooperative, Inc. (AKELCO) member-consumers during the celebration of the 26^th Annual General Membership Assembly on June 6.

On his GM's report, he discloses that the National Power Corporation (NPC) contract to AKELCO is only until June 25. NPC CEO, Froilan Tampico, informed AKELCO that they are not capable to supply the energy requirements of the Panay Grid including AKELCO.

Moreover, he reveals the very alarming power scenario in Panay, "Since June-December 2008, a power deficit of more than 150 megawatts was experienced in Panay Grid". However, he stressed that AKELCO is more than lucky enough compared to neighboring coops in iloilo, Antique & Capiz, who were experiencing a four-hour power interruption daily, due to AKELCO's independent power producer.

Despite the looming power crisis in Panay Island, GM Peralta's commitment is firm in ensuring power reliability to more than hundred thousand consumers in the province including the world renowned tourist destination, Boracay Island and northern towns of Antique thru a collective effort among management & staff, local officials and consumers. According to him, meeting with President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is the major option left to AKELCO to extend the contract of NPC until 2011 while AKELCO is eyeing to negotiate with other power producer.

In the Assembly, Congressman Florencio T. Miraflores leads the oath taking ceremony of the newly-elected Board of Directors. The solon inducts Director Julieta A. Aron of District 1 of Malay and Buruanga, Director Engr. Celso D. Tajanlangit of District 2 representing Pandan and Libertad and Director Paterno I. Ibarreta of Lezo and Malinao District.

He likewise appeals to consumers, board of directors, and local officials for unity and support during this power crisis.

"This year's theme, Keeping the Lights On is significantly relevant as we face one of the biggest problems in our province, the power shortage and the power rate. Once AKELCO sources out power from an independent power producer, rates will increase since it is not subsidized by the government unlike NPC. However, AKELCO alone and the provincial government cannot beat this threat unless we support the mission of AKELCO to be an effective and efficient cooperative especially in the rural areas" he said.

He also recognizes the achievement of AKELCO on its performance for 2008, and its vital part in the progress of the province through electrification. AKELCO's collection efficiency last year was 99.14% while it has 12.06% system losses, lower than the approved cap of 14%.

Meanwhile, NEA Admistrator Edita S. Bueno urges AKELCO to continually strive for excellence in order to survive and thrive well in a deregulated electric industry.

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