Tacloban City – Now that the power supply has been restored in the Yolanda affected areas, the question that the consumers are asking is who will pay the cost of the rehabilitation.
The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines already manifested their intention to recover the Two Billion pesos that they spent to rehabilitate the transmission lines that were damaged by typhoon Yolanda.
Though they still have to file their petition with the Energy Regulatory Commission, one thing is sure the cost will be charged to the account of the consumers.
Replacement of Damaged Electric Post
How about Electric Cooperatives?
This is not the case however with the electric cooperatives like LEYECO II a recipient of a grant from the national Government in the amount of 522 Million Pesos under the Yolanda Restoration and Rehabilitation Fund (RRF).
According to Maria Rosario Avestruz Leyeco II General Manager, if not for the intervention of the national government, power supply to the typhoon affected areas could have not been restored up to now as the electric cooperatives has no resources to respond to the magnitude of destructions brought about by the super typhoon to their distribution system.
“Since it is a grant, the consumers will not be charged for the cost of the rehabilitation” Avestruz added.
If not for the grant the electric cooperative could have resorted to borrowings that will in effect increase the cost of electricity as loan amortizations will be passed on to the consumers Avestruz said.
Of the 522 Million Pesos grant, 370 million has been utilized in the procurement of materials such as electric posts, transformers, electric wires, electric meters and salaries of private contractors who assisted the cooperative in the rehabilitation and restoration efforts.
The balance of 152 million pesos is intended for the procurement of additional materials and for the remaining payables to suppliers and contractors.
The rehabilitation of Leyeco II office building unfortunately is not a priority as of this time though they are allowed to utilize a portion of the grant just in case theres an excess to the fund utilization Avestrus said.
Funds utilization is being closely monitored by NEA to ensure that the cooperative complies with the prescribed guidelines set by the national government.
Operation meter restoration
Primary Line Restoration
The facade of LEYECO II Office Building One Year After typhoon Yolanda
The Interior of LEYECO II Office Building
Avestruz expressed her gratitude to those who assisted the cooperative in the rehabilitation and restoration efforts specially those who came from other electric cooperatives and the men and women of Leyeco II who displayed dedication and commitment in the performance of their duties and responsibilities in the midst of adversities.
