The Aklan Electric Cooperative (Akelco), previously one of the country’s most financially-distressed electric cooperatives, posted a significant reduction in its system loss to 12.46 percent as of February this year; which indicates some improvements in its operations efficiency.
The system loss figure was a far cry from the 23 percent annual average almost three years ago; when the electric cooperative was practically at its worst shape, the Department of Energy has reported.
From its record high of 23 percent, the new management was able to significantly reduce the systems loss to 14.97 percent in June 2003 and to 14.93 percent in December 2003.
Energy secretary Vincent S. Perez noted that this reduction in system loss has allowed Akelco to pay most of its debts to the National Power Corporation.
It would be recalled that in March 2002, the state-owned power firm was forced to disconnect power service in Aklan for two days because of its failure to pay outstanding obligations amounting to P153 million.
Such twist of event in the coop’s financial health also prompted then the National Electrification Administration (NEA) to temporarily take over its operations; as the problems have been traced allegedly due to “mismanagement and widespread corruption.”
Taking note of Akelco’s drastic turnaround, the energy secretary gives much of the credit to the efficient undertaking of the new management under the leadership of General Manager Erico Bucoy.
Perez, who is also chairman of NEA, said “Akelco’s outstanding performance showed strong resolve between government and private sector to weed out corruption in the government’s rural electrification program as well as provide electric consumers with quality service.”
Akelco is the major power distributor in Aklan province which includes the famous Boracay Island Resort and in the municipalities of Libertad and Pandan in Antique. (MMV)
