City Council eases process, rules for power connection

By Jordan Habbiling 

 

BAGUIO CITY -- The Baguio City Council recently enacted an ordinance that will simplify the process for obtaining Certificates of Final Electrical Inspection (CFEI) or Certificates of Electrical Inspection (CEI) by the City Buildings and Architecture Office (CBAO), making it easier for Baguio residents to connect to the electrical grid.

By reducing bureaucratic hurdles and simplifying document requirements, the ordinance seeks to ensure more households can access electricity which is essential for modern living standards.

Through this initiative, the city is able to help its residents get access to reliable electricity, thus uplifting their standard of living.

The ordinance cited data from the Department of Social Welfare and Development-Cordillera which indicated many households in the city still lack electricity service connections and still rely on gas lamps and candles for lighting.

The simplified process applies exclusively to residents of Baguio City occupying residential dwellings subject to investigation by the CBAO.

On the other hand, structures with active demolition orders, located within waterways, or declared high-risk areas by government agencies are disqualified.

Requirements include an electrical plan compliant with the Philippine Electrical Code; proof of ownership such as deed of sale, waivers, tax declaration, or authorization from the registered/declared building owner; certificate of non-tax delinquency; barangay certification.

Additional documents, if applying through a representative, are the following: original notarized letter of authorization or Special Power of Attorney; photocopy of the notarized contract of lease/agreement (if applicable); or photocopy of any document showing proof of relationship of the representative to the principal owner such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, or death certificates.

The above requirements may apply to structures under the purview of Torrens title system and the National Building Code of the Philippines.

Applications for electrical connections must be filed with the CBAO which will then be evaluated by the CBAO for completeness and compliance with the Philippine Electrical Code. The applicant pays the recommended fee, receives an official receipt, and submits it to the CBAO for review and approval. Applications must be processed by a qualified Professional Electrical Engineer (PEE), or Registered Electrical Engineer (REE), or RME (Registered Master Electrician), or other electrical practitioners duly accredited by the Benguet Electric Cooperative, Inc. (BENECO) and the Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. (IIEE), Baguio-Benguet Chapter or the applicant.

In cases of fraud or non-disclosure of relevant information, the affected party will be required to voluntarily remove and surrender their electrical service connections.

The ordinance has been transmitted to the City Mayor’s Office to be signed by Mayor Benjamin Magalong before its implementation.

 

 

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Beneco sets strict rules to stop BOD’s ‘fund misuse’

By Jordan Habbiling

 

BAGUIO CITY -- The Benguet Electric Cooperative Inc. implemented stricter financial policies to prevent board members from incurring personal loans or misusing cooperative resources.

During the regular session of the Baguio City Council Feb. 10, board of directors chairman George Dumawing told city officials Beneco’s corporate social responsibility, previously prone to misuse, was removed from control of the BODs and placed under the Internal Service Department.

He said this reform enforced by the Beneco Task Force aimed to curb “past abuses” which included branding of monoblock chairs with names of directors and excessive allowances.

Dumawing said this structural change would ensure requests for assistance would go through the approval of ISD to prevent the past practice of board members using Beneco resources for personal or political gain.

He cited past instances where Beneco had provided items such as monoblock chairs branded with the names of directors, a practice now abolished.

He added other privileges, such as gasoline allowances, had already been prohibited by the National Electrification Administration.

Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda commended this reform -- that Beneco took corrective measures against such practices.

Lawyer Delmar Cariño, Beneco ISD manager, added the electric cooperative had also implemented a good governance policy through Beneco Task Force.

This policy, along with its implementing rules and regulations (IRR), had closed loopholes that previously led to financial mismanagement which included concerns related to disbursements, information and education campaigns (IECs) and allowances.

The discussion stemmed from the request of Councilor Fred Bagbagen for updates on the unliquidated cash advances of former Beneco directors and status of car loans taken by these directors.

In response to this request, Cariño said Beneco failed to submit the requested documents because several issues were still under appeal before the Court of Appeals.

Beneco has a policy on access to records, approved by the National Privacy Commission, which restricts disclosure of personal information under the Data Privacy Act.

Despite invoking these legal constraints, Cariño said NEA filed administrative cases regarding cash advances still under appeal.

He added Beneco issued demand letters to those with balances urging them to settle their accounts or face legal action.

With regard to car loans, he said some former directors already fully settled their dues while four were still making monthly payments.

Bagbagen said given Beneco’s role as public service provider, transparency should take precedence over privacy concerns, especially since unliquidated amounts had reportedly reached millions of pesos.

He added these debts had remained unpaid for years and urged Beneco to set a firm deadline for repayment.

Cariño said they were following NEA’s directive to collect payments but could not release personal data without consent of individuals involved.

He said while the cooperative understood the concerns raised, they had to adhere to data privacy policies.

The city council referred the matter to its committee on public utilities, transportation and traffic legislation for study in aid of legislation.

 

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Sm Prime evolves with renewable energy

 

In the face of a growing energy crisis and surging global waste generation, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) plans to utilize waste-to-energy technology as a renewable energy source in the Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone, in line with its goal of fostering smart and sustainable development.

 

SM Updates

Josie Lyn Galario

Imagine a world powered by the sun, the ultimate source of life. As climate change worsens due to fossil fuel use, sustainable energy alternatives are more crucial than ever. The Philippines, with its abundant sunlight, is uniquely positioned to harness solar power and help combat climate change. In 2024, Manila experienced around 4,440 hours of daylight, which translates to a significant potential for solar energy production.

SM Prime recognized this potential early on. In 2014, SM North EDSA became the first commercial property in the Philippines to install solar photovoltaic (PV) panels on its roof, achieving the largest installation in Southeast Asia at the time. This move signaled the beginning of SM Prime’s commitment to renewable energy and energy efficiency.

SM Supermalls President Steven Tan explains, “SM’s environmental sustainability began with energy and water conservation. Revolutionizing our malls’ energy efficiency through renewable sources magnifies our responsibility to serving people and the planet.”

Today, SM Supermalls operates 44 malls with solar PV systems, generating a combined peak energy of 51.6 megawatts (MW). The largest installation is at SM City Santa Rosa. With a total of 96,000 solar panels across malls in Luzon and Visayas, SM Prime holds the Philippines’ largest solar energy portfolio, covering around 33 hectares. These efforts are a vital part of the company’s Net Zero by 2040 strategy, aimed at reducing its carbon footprint.

This 51.6 MW capacity significantly cuts carbon emissions, providing clean energy that powers thousands of homes or removes thousands of cars from the roads. It also reduces the need for coal, offering environmental benefits for both the planet and local communities.

The solar power generated directly fuels essential mall operations like lighting and escalators, reducing SM Supermalls' reliance on the national grid. This, in turn, helps stabilize the power supply, reducing the risk of outages and easing the burden on electricity providers. By tapping into clean, renewable energy, SM Prime is contributing to a more sustainable future for the Philippines.

SM Prime’s sustainability efforts extend beyond solar energy. The company also focuses on waste management, water conservation, and air quality initiatives, all designed to minimize environmental impact. Through these comprehensive measures, SM Prime strives to create a positive change while ensuring responsible, innovative operations.

In sum, SM Prime’s large-scale adoption of solar PV systems, combined with its broader environmental initiatives, exemplifies its dedication to creating a sustainable future for the Philippines. By leading in renewable energy and sustainability, SM Prime is helping pave the way for a cleaner, greener, and brighter tomorrow.

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Beneco rates down Jan. due to less power cost

By Laarni S. Ilagan

 

BAGUIO CITY -- The Benguet Electric Cooperative started 2025 with a lower cost of electricity for its consumers compared the December last year.

     Beneco’s January rate of P10.7718 per kilowatt hour (kWh) is lesser by P0.2025 compared to last month’s rate of P10.9743/kwh.

    A household that will consume 100 kWh will thus pay P 1,077.18 for the month. Fraiser Angayen, non-network services department manager, said the lower rates was caused by the reduction of the power cost that Beneco purchased from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM).

    The power purchased from WESM represents 12.09% of Beneco’s total power requirement as the bulk of the power supply, which is 87.37% , comes from the Limay Power Inc. (LPI).

    The LPI is the electric cooperative’s major power suppler while the WESM is the country’s spot market for power supply.

    “The decrease in coal price in the global market had a bigger impact in our generation rate, despite the noted increase in foreign exchange (FOREX) rate,” Angayen said.

    Beneco purchased most of its power supply from LPI through its one-year Emergency Power Supply Agreement (EPSA) with the San Miguel affiliate.

    The cost of power purchased from WESM and LPI compose the blended generation rate of Beneco that is passed on to consumers every month as generation cost.

    “Had we bought all our power supply from the WESM, our generation rate could have been less than P4.00 per kWh since the spot market prices were low for the period,” Melchor Licoben, general manager said, noting buying all power requirements from the WESM would not be possible in view of the EPSA with LPI.

    Licoben added: “Ideally, bilateral contracts are better to ensure a continuous and stable supply of electricity.     The prices this month at WESM could be cheaper but in the long run, the prices could increase. WESM is a volatile market that cannot guarantee a stable power supply. Relying on the WESM as a source of power supply will be risky. WESM is there to stabilize supply whenever there are imbalances in the grid. But we are not sure of the power cost.”

 

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SN Aboitiz Power provides more benefits to Itogon IPs

By Lloyd Revilla

 

ITOGON, Benguet -- Renewable energy provider SN Aboitiz Power-Benguet, Inc. (SNAP-Benguet) has strengthened its commitment to the indigenous peoples communities here with turnover of additional benefits to the Tinongdan Indigenous Peoples Organization (TINPO)  Dec. 18, 2024, followed by the Itogon Indigenous Peoples Organization (IIPO) on December 23, 2024.

The additional benefits were shared based on a 60-40 split as agreed upon by the IPOs, with TINPO receiving 60%, amounting to PhP3,808,530.00, and IIPO receiving 40%, equivalent to PhP2,539,020.00.

SNAP-Benguet provided PhP5 million for special CSR projects for the first three years, which was allocated to the Tinongdan Indigenous Peoples Organization (TINPO) as agreed upon by both IP groups.

For succeeding years, P1 million will be awarded to barangays as determined by the two IPOs.

The additional benefits – the result of direct negotiations between SNAP-Benguet and the IP organizations (IPOs) – are intended to help the IPOs implement development and capability-programs within their Ancestral Domain, preserve their cultural heritage, and support similar initiatives.

This forms part of SNAP-Benguet’s long-standing partnership with the indigenous cultural communities that host the 140-MW Binga hydroelectric power plant. SNAP-Benguet has committed to providing the Itogon ancestral domain with approximately PhP10.3 million in total benefits annually starting in 2024.

“On behalf of the COELs [Council of Elders], we want to express our gratitude to SNAP for the support,” said TINPO Chieftain Norberto Pacio. “We now have the benefits that we have been waiting for.”

Mrs. Rosita Bargaso, IIPO Chair, said, “Salamat sa SNAP at sana ay magtagal pa ang magandang samahan nating dalawa. (We thank SNAP and hope our partnership lasts even longer.)”

SNAP-Benguet assumed ownership and operation of the Binga hydroelectric facility in 2008 through a successful privatization bid.

Following this transition, the company conducted consultations with the IP communities, which culminated in an agreement to provide benefits through a corporate social responsibility program.

To date, SNAP has provided P37.2 million in benefits to TINPO, reflecting the company’s commitment to fostering sustainable development and empowering its host communities while advancing renewable energy in the region.

SN Aboitiz Power (SNAP) is a joint venture of Scatec and Aboitiz Power Corporation (AP).

Scatec is a leading renewable energy solutions provider, accelerating access to reliable and affordable clean energy in emerging markets. As a long-term player, they develop, build, own and operate renewable energy plants, with 4.6 GW in operation and under construction across four continents today. They are committed to growing their renewable energy capacity, delivered by their 800 passionate employees and partners who are driven by a common vision of ‘Improving our Future’. Scatec is headquartered in Oslo, Norway and listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol ‘SCATC’.

AP is the holding company of the Philippines-based Aboitiz Group’s investments in power generation, distribution, and retail electricity services. It advances business and communities by providing reliable and ample power supply at a reasonable and competitive price, and with the least adverse effects on the environment and host communities.

SNAP owns and operates the 112.5-MW Ambuklao and 140-MW Binga hydroelectric power plants in Benguet; the Magat hydroelectric power plant which has a nameplate capacity of 360 MW and maximum capacity of 388 MW on the border of Isabela and Ifugao; the 8.5-MW Maris hydro; and the 24-MW Magat battery energy storage facility in Isabela. The non-power components such as dams, reservoirs, and spillways are owned, managed, and operated by the government.

 

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Ilocos Norte power coop goes after delinquent consumers

By Leilanie Adriano

LAOAG CITY – The Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative has started to impose stricter measures against delinquent consumers and has issued around a hundred demand letters to collect from erring clients.
    Acting general manager Cipriano Martinez, in a press conference held at the INEC main branch in Dingras town on Wednesday, said they have to be aggressive in cutting off power connections of delinquent consumers after these were given an ultimatum of three months' notice to be able to settle unpaid bills.
    INEC record shows that the electric cooperative has around PHP28 million unpaid bills every month and Martinez said this will hamper the electric cooperative to provide better services if their financial situation continues to bleed.
    One of those issued with a demand letter is the management of the Laoag City General Hospital (LCGH), which has around PHP5 million credit, including arrears.
    Martinez said they have arrived at a compromise agreement with the City Government of Laoag, and the hospital already paid an initial payment of PHP1 million.

    “We have agreed with Mayor Michael M. Keon because he was instrumental in helping facilitate a compromise agreement with the LCGH management,” he said.
    During the pandemic, the lone power distribution utility here extended the implementation of “no disconnection policy” for displaced workers or low- income households that cannot pay their electricity bills. Other establishments, particularly those involved in public services, were included. – PNA
 

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Solar tech ups salt produce in Ilocos village

By Leilanie Adriano

LAOAG CITY – A dying salt farming tradition is making a comeback in the coastal village of Saoit in Burgos, Ilocos Norte with a renewed effort to bring solar energy to the salt flats.
    In the olden times, salt farmers here worked under the scorching heat of the sun to produce salt from briny tidal water. However, most of them barely earned enough to support their families.
    Larry Baniaga, president of the Burgos Salt Makers Association, said there is a rising demand for solar salt in the food processing industry as well as for chemical and water treatment industries, and they are optimistic that using the technology could change their lives for the better.
    He told the Philippine News Agency in a phone interview on Wednesday that they are thankful for the collaborative effort of various government agencies such as the Department of Science and Technology, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University and the local government units of Burgos and Ilocos Norte for helping them to rise above poverty while ensuring a more sustainable and environment-friendly alternative method of salt production.
    Following their recent training on solar sea salt production using high-density polyethylene, Baniaga said their salt production has become more competitive in the market.
    “It is cleaner and of better quality than before,” said Baniaga as he noted that the solar drying method is more economical and eco-friendly than the traditional cooking method where they have to gather wood from the mountains to cook salt.
    In Barangays Saoit and Pagali alone, Baniaga said they can produce an average of 15 tons of salt weekly. The current price of salt is pegged at PHP35 per kilo or PHP1,500 per sack at 50 kilograms. The peak of salt production is from March to June.
    “Our salt production, though it is seasonal, is a big help for us as an alternative source of income,” said Baniaga as most of the villagers depend on farming and fishing.
    To enhance the production and supply of salt in the salt-producing towns of Ilocos Norte, the Ilocos Norte government and its partner agencies inked a memorandum of understanding on March 3, 2023 for the "One ASIN" (Accelerating Salt Innovation in Region 1) project at the Regional Freshwater Aquaculture Technology Demonstration Center (RFATDeC) in Paoay, Ilocos Norte.
    The project aims to boost the livelihood of salt makers, particularly in the towns of Currimao, Badoc, Pasuquin, Vintar, Pinili, and Burgos who received almost PHP2 million worth of assistance to improve their products. 
 
 
 

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SNAP, NPC sign agreement for Benguet watershed conservation

 Environment  

(L-R) SN Aboitiz Power Group (SNAP) Vice President (VP)  for Corporate Affairs Atty. Michael Bon Hosillos, SNAP President and Chief Executive (CEO)  Officer Joseph Yu, National Power Corporation (NPC) President and CEO Fernando Martin Roxas, NPC Officer-In-Charge VP for Corporate Affairs Ma. Annabel  Versoza, and NPC Watershed Management and Information and Technology Services, Department Manager Emmanuel Umali  during the Ceremonial Signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on the protection of Ambuklao and Binga reservoirs in the Upper Agno River Watershed held at NPC headquarters.

Samantha Tan

AMBUKLAO, Benguet --SN Aboitiz Power Group (SNAP) is committed to providing clean and renewable energy while ensuring environmental sustainability in the areas where it operates.
    On Nov. 7, 2023, SNAP signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the National Power Corporation (NPC) for the adoption of a 1,000-hectare watershed area within the 2.5-kilometer radius from the Ambuklao and Binga reservoirs.
    The signing was led by SNAP's President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Joseph Yu and NPC President and CEO Fernando Martin Roxas at NPC's head office in Quezon City.
    SNAP and NPC have been partners in watershed and environmental initiatives since the signing of a Technical Cooperation Agreement in 2010. NPC turned over ownership and operation of the 112.5-megawatt (MW) Ambuklao and 140-MW Binga hydroelectric power facilities to SNAP in 2008 under the government’s privatization program. The dams and reservoirs remain under NPC’s ownership and management.
    As outlined in the recently signed MOA, the adoption of the watershed area will harmonize SNAP’s watershed management programs to ensure greater conservation and protection of the Upper Agno River Watershed.
    The agreement covers preservation of the 2.5-km area around the Ambuklao and Binga reservoirs and includes forest fire protection, rehabilitation and restoration activities, agroforestry, and riverbank stabilization. Since 2011, with the support of the local government and indigenous peoples' organizations, SNAP and NPC have implemented various initiatives such as tree planting, biodiversity, reforestation, and watershed conservation.
    The MOA is aligned with NPC's Energy Sector Carbon Sequestration Initiative for the rapid rehabilitation of open and depleted areas in its watersheds. In 2022, under this initiative, SNAP agreed to rehabilitate and maintain 50 hectares within the Upper Agno River Watershed, of which 20 hectares have been completed.
    It is also in line with SNAP’s commitment to strengthen its sustainability efforts by embedding environmental, social, and governance principles in its operations.
    SNAP, together with its community development partners will help in reducing the effects of climate change, increasing biodiversity, and protecting water resources to create a sustainable energy future.
    SN Aboitiz Power Group (SNAP) is a joint venture of Scatec and Aboitiz Power Corporation (AP).
    Scatec is a leading renewable energy solutions provider, accelerating access to reliable and affordable clean energy in emerging markets. As a long-term player, they develop, build, own and operate renewable energy plants, with 4.6 GW in operation and under construction across four continents today. They are committed to growing their renewable energy capacity, delivered by their 800 passionate employees and partners who are driven by a common vision of ‘Improving our Future’. Scatec is headquartered in Oslo, Norway and listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol ‘SCATC’.
    AP is the holding company of the Philippines-based Aboitiz Group’s investments in power generation, distribution, and retail electricity services. It advances business and communities by providing reliable and ample power supply at a reasonable and competitive price, and with the least adverse effects on the environment and host communities.
    SNAP owns and operates the 112.5-MW Ambuklao and 140-MW Binga hydroelectric power plants in Benguet; the Magat hydroelectric power plant which has a nameplate capacity of 360 MW and maximum capacity of 388 MW on the border of Isabela and Ifugao; and the 8.5-MW Maris hydro in Isabela. The non-power components such as dams, reservoirs, and spillways are owned, managed, and operated by the government.
 

 
 

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96 energy Cordillera projs bared during RDC forum

By Alvin Ryan G. Fernandez

BAGUIO CITY – Awarded renewable energy projects in Cordillera Administrative Region were bared with 96 projects with a total energy potential of 4,459.15-megawatt (MW) identified when the Regional Development Council held renewable energy investment forum Nov. 16 here to inform stakeholders on investment potentials of the region’s renewable energy sector.
    The activity was attended by representatives from local government units, Public-Private Partnership Center, Dept. of Energy, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources and power generation companies in the region involved in operation of hydroelectric power plants.
    National Economic Development Authority regional director Susan A. Sumbeling opened the event echoing role of Cordillera as Watershed Cradle of the North and citing development of the region’s renewable energy sources that enhances communities and ecosystems programs to natural hazards and mitigating climate change as stated in the Regional Development Plan 2023-2028.
    Edna Tabanda, co-chairperson of the RDC-CAR, delivered message of RDC chairperson, Apayao Gov. Elias C. Bulut, Jr., on development of CAR’s renewable energy potentials as priority of the region.
She committed the RDC’s support to both the public and private sector partners on pursuing RE projects through the provision of avenues for collaboration and meaningful discussions to achieve the vision of making the region the renewable energy powerhouse of the North.
    Engineer Ariel D. Fronda, chief of Hydropower and Ocean Energy Management Division under the Renewable Energy Management Bureau of DOE, presented renewable energy scenario.
    This included a summary of awarded RE projects in CAR where 96 projects with a total energy potential of 4,459.15-megawatt (MW) were identified.
    Hydropower potential contributed the largest share in potential capacity.
    He added these resources can be a driver of socio-economic development in the region.
    Lisa Go, chief of Investments Promotions Office also under the DOE, cited Republic Act 11234 or the Energy Virtual One-Stop Shop (EVOSS) Act creating virtual system to streamline power generation, transmission and distribution projects.
    The EVOSS System was rolled-out to accept online applications from 9 national government agencies (NGA) including the DOE, NCIP, National Electrification Administration (NEA), National Transmission Corporation (TransCo), National Privacy Commission (NPC), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Independent Electricity Market Operator Philippines (IEMOP), Department of Justice (DOJ) and the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP). Pipelined for inclusion in the system are the Energy Regulation Commission (ERC), National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) and Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines (IEMOP) Inc.
    Agape Sem B. Comendador, OIC of Capacity Building Division of the Capacity Building and Knowledge Management Service of the PPP Center, talked on the Philippine PPP program, its mandates and legal framework, technical assistance activities for implementing agencies and implementation and financing options of projects under PPP.
    Engineer Mary Rose Santillan of the Project Development Service of the PPP presented an overview on developing renewable energy and energy efficiency PPP projects. The challenges identified in investing in RE include commitment uncertainties due to short political term of local chief executives when engaging projects with LGU partners, possible high cost per KWh especially for small scale projects, issues on legal use and ownership of site and rights-of-way. However, it was noted that pursuing RE projects would incur low variable costs arising from fuel costs and low Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions and pollution.
    The RDC-CAR, with the National Economic and Development Authority-CAR as its secretariat, has made the development of the region’s renewable energy its priority from 2022-2025.
    The RE Investment Forum is one among several activities that are geared towards this thrust. The updating of the CAR Energy Master Plan is also being undertaken to serve as reference of LGUs and potential private sector partners in investing in RE projects in the region.
 

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