2 DLPC...

FROM 2 ipation in the Mindanao-based Philippine Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) that assured ample supply of power in the coming months.

The WESM is a centralized venue for buyers and sellers to trade electricity as a commodity where prices are determined based on actual use (demand) and availability (supply).

DLPC started buying from WESM in January this year and Velasco said DLPC buys 30 percent of their power from WESM.

“We have WESM in Mindanao where we can source coming from our bilaterals. WESM is an opportunity for us to purchase power outside of our bilaterals. Current situation in WESM is much cheaper versus fossil-based fuel plants so we are buying more from WESM,” he said.

Velasco also attributed this sufficient power supply to the thousand power excess in Mindanao. Currently, Mindanao has a supply situation of 3,000 megawatts wherein the consumption of the whole of Mindanao is 2,000 MW, thus giving the thousand MW of excess capacity.

Arturo Milan, adviser for Mindanao of the Aboitiz Equity Ventures (AEV), explained that despite a power surplus of 1,000 MW some areas will still be experiencing rotating brownouts due to the contracting of power supply.

“As mentioned there is an oversupply of power in Mindanao right now. Ang nahitabo gud karon na amidst the excess supply adunay areas nga naay rotating brownouts specially among the electric cooperatives. Contracting naman gud ni. This is a problem of contracting. Also a problem on reliability sa ilahang serbisyo. So, amidst the surplus Mindanao is experiencing, aduna gihapon rotating brownouts in some areas,” he said. By Maya

M. Padillo

that have defined NORDECO’s operations. We pave the way for a brighter, more reliable, and more efficient future under the stewardship of Davao Light and Power Company (DLPC),” he said.

“Nordeco’s continued existence as the primary electric cooperative in our province is a disservice to the people of Davao del Norte. By replacing them with the more capable and proven DLPC, we are not only investing in a better power infrastructure but also sending a resounding message that mediocrity and self-interest will not be tolerated,” Jubahib added.

Meanwhile, the coalition that organized the indignation rally sought to raise awareness of the issues and to push for tangible improvements to the quality of service provided by Nordeco.

As of this writing, Edge Davao has yet to receive a reaction or comment from Nordeco.

Nordeco is the primary electric cooperative serving some areas of Davao del Norte. However, it has been the subject of numerous complaints from consumers who have faced issues such as inconsistent service, exorbitant power rates, and unresolved billing disputes.

Last month, Nordeco officials assured in a press conference that issues raised by consumers are being addressed.

Elvera S. Alngog, Nordeco acting general manager, said the submarine cable to Samal is expected to be operational by April this year.