A consumer group is opposing the P2.10 power rate increase imposed by the Aklan Electric Cooperative (Akelco) and the Mirant Global Corporation, an independent power producer.
Sangguniang Panlalawigan member Franklin Quimpo, secretary general of People Opposing Warrantless and Excessive Electricity Rates (Power) of Aklan, said the alliance is seriously considering the impact of the intended increase of electricity rates to Aklanons. Quimpo vowed to take legal action against Akelco officials for their participation in the Electric Power Purchase Agreement (EPPA).
"The signature campaign opposing the P2.10/kwh increase on its consumers is gaining support from multi-sectoral groups and individuals," he stressed during a press conference on November 18 held at the Kalibo Plaza Canteen, Kalibo.
Power convenor Fr. Isauro David of the Diocese of Kalibo also bucked the power rates hike, saying, his group is also urging the Akelco management to stop collecting the controversial purchase power adjustment.
In a statement to Aklan Gov. Carlito Marquez on November 14, 2006, Akelco said, "it cannot just implement any rate increase without prior approval of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) lest AKELCO and its officers be penalized. Any questions or strong objections to any regulation being implemented by AKELCO should be resolved in a proper venue."
"We have laws and regulations, precisely to keep peace and order in the society. We have proper venue/s that all our claims can be well ventilated and resolved," said Akelco president Augusto C. Tolentino.
Under the provisions of the EPIRA Law or RA 9136, Sec. 43 (n) "the ERC shall have the original and exclusive jurisdiction over all cases contesting rates, fees, fines and penalties imposed by the ERC…"
AKELCO is just a distribution utility; hence all charges imposed by the transmission and generation utilities, which were all approved by the ERC, AKELCO is bound under the law, to pass it on to its member-consumers. So that, any increase in the transmission and generation charges allowed by law will, of course, bring impact on the rates of electricity, the Akelco stressed.
Quimpo said, "any attempt to collect the rate hike would in effect trigger complaints since the power purchase agreement is onerous against its member-consumers."
National Association of Electricity Consumers for Reform (Nasecore) Aklan president Genaro Mabasa and SP member Ramon Gelito pointed out that the power rates increase would inflict more burden to hapless consumers due to automatic cost adjustment.
"It (EPPA) has been amended even without the public being informed of the increase," they said. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com
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