Power consumers urged: use Beneco SMS system

BAGUIO CITY -- With almost everyone having cell phones nowadays, the Benguet Electric Coop. encouraged  member consumers to utilize its SMS (Short Messaging System) for electricity-related concerns.

Engineer Mauricio Labitoria, Beneco management information system (MIS) manager said in line with their goal to integrate information  technology to give better serve its customers,  the coop came up with  the BENECO SMS, a cellular phone short messaging service wherein their consumers can report or ask their concerns.

Bills and power rate inquiry, unscheduled power interruptions,  damages on  power lines as well as Beneco news and updates are entertained through  the SMS.

“BENECO SMS will ease the burden of consumers, as far as their power-related issues are concerned  and ensures better customer service because of an assured response from the BENECO help desk,” Labitoria said.

To be able to utilize BENECO SMS, Labitoria  said consumers  have to register first through text by keying in *REG [space] ACCOUNT NUMBER and send it to the BENECO SMS number 09178782400.

A confirmation message will be sent to the consumer’s number and will then be able to access its other services.

In utilizing BENECO SMS, for billing details, consumers can text “BILL [space] ACCOUNT NO.” to 09178782400 to receive their balance along with the due date to avoid penalties.

For power interruption schedules, they can text “INTE [space] ACCOUNT NO.” to 09178782400.

To report line problems and other BENECO-related incidents, text “OMD [space] YOUR REPORT” and send it to 09178782400 and your report will be directly received by BENECO linemen.  

For other inquiries, type in your questions and forward it to 09178782400 and you will be answered by BENECO support staff.

Labitoria hopes that through the reintroduction of BENECO SMS, consumers will be able to more conveniently manage their account issues. -- Judith Aguilar and Rene Verdote