Transform Akelco Into A Real Business Corporation
One of the popular topics being discussed in the Province of Aklan since August is Akelco. This is the electric power distributor in Aklan and in two towns of Antique which are Pandan and Libertad.
The members of the Board of Directors and the management team of Akelco are continuously criticized because of the Energy Power Purchase Agreement (EPPA) Akelco signed with Mirant Global. The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Aklan presiding officer, Vice Governor Ronquillo C. Tolentino dubbed the EPPA as a "nightmare" to Aklanons. Hon. Santiago Regalado accepted that "ha tusli kita" (we were deceived). Even the Aklan SP, 50 percent of whom are lawyers was deveived.
The EPPA between Akelco and Mirant is a question of morality, Fr. David pointed out. Akelco requested the church in the negotiation of EPPA as an intervenor. However, after the approval of the EPPA last August 2006 by the Energy Regulatory Commission, the church hierarchy in Aklan found out, Akelco withheld from them vital information necessary to perform its role as real intervenor. The church invitation and entry came after the contract between Akelco and Mirant was already signed and approved.
The information was kept tightly that not one church’s recommendation was considered. Its suggestions were noted, but just remained on paper. The Aklanons are shouting in unison the increase of two pesos and ten centavos (P2.10) per kwh is so much. They asked: "Why buy more expensive electricity from Mirant when the same commodity is available at NPC? Why did Akelco signed the EPPA with Mirant which provisions are very disadvantageous to the consumers and effective for the next 20 years? "Gin gaid kita". We are tied.
This column suggests convert Akelco into stock corporation, the policies of which are promulgated by competent members of the Board of Directors duly elected by stockholders. Let Akelco be managed by more competent, honest and responsive management.
True, a corporation will pay taxes. But who does not pay tax? A good citizen and business firm must pay taxes. Does Akelco wish to be cooperative under Cooperative Development Authority to evade paying tax?
Meralco is a corporation. Can Akelco match the service Meralco is giving to its customers? Which has lower rate? Akelco will sell electricity in more expensive rate than Meralco when Akelco will implement the EPPA with Mirant.
This column will offer more reasons why it recommends to transform Akelco to a corporation. Let Akelco have a board of directors and management team responsive to the needs of its clients./MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com
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