Region 8 power coops upbeat of high ratings in 2019

CALBAYOG CITY, Samar, July 16  -- The Federation of Rural Electric Cooperatives in Region 8 (Frecor-8) is optimistic that all the 11 electric cooperatives in the region will attain the triple-A rating next year.

Frecor-8 member Allan Laniba, general manager of Leyte III Electric Cooperative, told reporters on Monday that Frecor 8 members have been working together to help struggling cooperatives improve and meet the service standards.

“We are happy to be recognized the most improved region last year. This raised our confidence to attain the rating since our cooperatives here are typhoon resilient. If there are typhoons, it’s not anymore a problem since we already know how to deal with it,” Laniba said.

Of the region’s 11 electric cooperatives, 10 attained the triple-A rating.

“Norsamelco (Northern Samar Electric Cooperative got the one A rating in 2017, but this is already remarkable achievement from category B in the past,” Laniba said.

The National Electrification Administration (NEA) rates cooperative as triple A based on two rating criteria -- Key Performance Standards (80 percent) and Electric Cooperatives (EC) Classification (20 percent).

The KPS cover 32 financial, institutional, technical and reportorial compliance indicators and standards; while EC Classification covers seven financially-driven standards and parameters, including accounts payables to the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines.

Using the KPS and EC Classification, corresponding ratings were given to scores garnered by ECs, as follows: 95-100 = AAA; 90-94 = AA; 85-89 = A; 75-84 = B; 50-74 = C; and 49 and below = D.

Last week, NEA conferred the Lumens Awards, recognizing the exemplary performance of the electric coops in extending valued electrification service to their consumers, and as well as services aside of their electrification duties.

Among the 11 electric cooperatives in the region, 10 got the triple-A rating. These are five cooperatives in Leyte; one each in Biliran, Southern Leyte, and Eastern Samar; and two in Samar province.

Three power cooperatives in Leyte were recognized for achieving single digit systems loss. Southern Leyte cooperative and Leyte IV electric cooperative received an excellence award for consistent A+ and triple A for 10 consecutive years.

Calbayog City Mayor Ronaldo Aquino said electric cooperatives play an active role in local economic development and nation-building.

“Many local government units made electric cooperatives as an indispensable partner in the development efforts,” Aquino said.

The local chief executive said the recognition conferred to cooperatives will help the local government attract more investors to the locality. (JSA/LAAA/PNA)