NEA forms task force for Abra power supply
Credit to Author: JORDEENE B. LAGARE| Date: Sat, 14 Sep 2019 11:26:23 +0000
STATE-RUN National Electrification Administration (NEA) announced the creation of another task force to improve electricity services in Abra.
In a statement on Thursday, the agency said Task Force Kapatiran was mandated with the rehabilitation of the dilapidated power distribution system of Abra Electric Cooperative (Abreco) to help avert power outages.
The task force shall prioritize the repair of power distribution facilities in Bangued, the capital of Abra, as it accounts for 70 percent of the electric cooperative’s total demand.
The task force is composed of Ilocos Sur Electric Cooperative Inc., Benguet Electric Cooperative Inc., La Union Electric Cooperative Inc., Pangasinan I Electric Cooperative, Pangasinan III Electric Cooperativeand Central Pangasinan Electric Cooperative Inc.
According to NEA, the establishment of the task force is part of its efforts to address the challenges and issues besetting the beleaguered power cooperative, currently under the management of the Task Force Duterte Abra Power and the agency.
Last month, NEA representatives, Abreco and task force members held a coordination meeting to discuss the details of the rehabilitation plan.
In a bid to enhance power services, Abreco will increase the capacity of its existing 5-megavolt ampere (MVA) substation in Calaba, Bangued to 15 MVA; relocation of its 5-MVA substation from Calaba, Bangued to Pidigan; and conversion of Bangued backbone line to double circuit. These are incorporated in the EC’s rehabilitation plan and capital expenditure plan.
To settle its financial obligations, Abreco is planning to apply for debt restructuring agreements with the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp., and Philippine Electricity Market Corp. (PEMC)/Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines (Iemop).
As of end-June, Abreco’s outstanding obligations to Psalm and PEMC/Iemop were P579.863 million and P238.521 million, respectively.
It also intends to avail of commodity loan with the Rural Electrification Financing Corp. to purchase of line materials, tools and equipment.