President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has approved the franchise bid of Romblon Electric Cooperative, Inc. (ROMELCO) to establish power supply in three island municipalities in the province.
Signed on August 29, 2024, Republic Act 12020 grants ROMELCO a 25-year franchise “to construct, install, establish, operate, own, manage, and maintain distribution systems for the conveyance of electric power to end-users in the municipalities of Banton, Corcuera, and Concepcion, Province of Romblon.”
Under the act, ROMELCO is mandated to supply electricity to consumers “in the least costly manner.”
“The Grantee shall charge reasonable and just power rates for its services to all types of consumers within its franchised areas in order that businesses and industries shall be able to compete,” the new law stated.
The retail rates and charges will be regulated by and subject to the approval of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).
According to the law, ROMELCO is also required to operate and maintain all electric distribution facilities and systems “in a superior manner” at all times.
ROMELCO also has the authority to modify, improve, and upgrade the facilities and systems “in such manner and to such extent as the progress in science and technology and improvements or innovations in the electric power services may render reasonable and proper” upon approval by energy bodies such as the ERC, Department of Energy (DOE), and National Electrification Administration (NEA), which have jurisdiction over its operations.
In addition to providing electricity, the cooperative is expected to offer employment opportunities for locals and is required to allow on-the-job training within their franchise operation.
To further ensure the promotion of consumer interests, the law mandates that ROMELCO establish a consumer desk to handle consumer complaints.
ROMELCO is required to submit an annual report to Congress on its compliance with the terms and conditions of the franchise and on its operations on or before April 30. Failure to do so will subject the cooperative to a fine of P500 per working day, to be collected by the ERC.
PND
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