‘Mismanaged’ Abra power cooperative seeks NEA aid

BANGUED, Abra — The Abra Electric Cooperative’s financial problems are hampering efforts to rehabilitate power lines recently damaged by super-typhoon Lawin.

Loreto Seares Jr., Abreco general manager, said they needed help from National Electrification Administration to comply with Dec. 3 deadline to restore power in all areas battered by the typhoon.

ABRECO has financial problems due to its “mismanaged past,” he said.

An estimated P60 million in losses was lost by Abreco after power lines were toppled throughout Abra.

Local power cooperatives around the country, especially those facing financial difficulties, including Abreco  are expecting much from NEA with its new charter signed in 2013 by President Benigno Aquino III.

With its new charter, NEA will have better supervision over electric cooperatives, some of which are incurring heavy losses.