Beneco gets P29 M subsidy for consumers

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet — Malacañang has turned over to the National Electrification Administration at least P29 million for power subsidy for consumers of the Benguet Electric Coop. in Baguio City and this province who use less than 100 kilowatt-hours every month.

Geraldo P. Verzosa, Beneco general manager, said that more than 70,000 residential consumers who consumed 100 kilowatt-hours or less during the period from April 27 to May 26 will get reduced charges in their August electricity bills.

The power subsidy is being given under the "Pantawid Koryente: Katas ng VAT" program, a one-time subsidy for poor people.

Each consumer who uses 100 kilowatt-hours or less is entitled to a P500 subsidy from the national government.

The amount for the power subsidy for consumers in Baguio and Benguet was turned over to the NEA by the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

NEA already remitted the P29 million to Beneco which, in turn, deposited the amount in the branch here of the Land Bank of the Philippines.

Verzosa said the P500 subsidy will not be given in cash to the consumers, but will be credited to their accounts with the electric cooperative.

Beneco will deduct the P500 subsidy from the August and future billings of the beneficiaries.
The deducted amount will be reflected in the monthly billings of the consumers until the P29 million is exhausted.

Earlier, President Arroyo ordered the DSWD to implement a one-time subsidy for poor people to help them pay their electric bills and ease their financial burden at this time of economic crisis.

Verzosa said the fund for the one-time subsidy for identified poor consumers is a big boost to the finances of Beneco which could use it for the implementation of programs and projects aimed at improving the delivery of quality and reliable electric service.

Even with its missionary program for non-viable areas in Benguet, the electric cooperative remains one of the top performing power utilities nationwide. It has a low systems loss and high collection efficiency.

Verzosa said Beneco is now studying plans for venture in alternative sources of energy that tap the rich natural resources of its franchise area. – Dexter A See