Mayors from Bohol’s second and third districts have criticized the Bohol Electric Cooperative (BOHECO) 1 and 2 for allegedly providing poor service, including frequent brownouts and excessive billing.
The mayors, who attended a meeting of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) on September 24, complained that the cooperatives’ inadequate service has caused damage to electrical appliances and burdened consumers with high electricity bills.
BOHECO 1 and 2 officials defended their service, explaining that the increase in electricity bills was due to fluctuations in the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) and that the frequent brownouts were caused by low voltage levels in certain areas.
However, Buenavista Mayor Dave Duallo, who has been vocal in criticizing BOHECO 2, was unconvinced by the cooperatives’ explanation.
He said that the cooperative failed to anticipate demand and relied too heavily on WESM, leading to high electricity bills and frequent brownouts.
The controversy has sparked a probe by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP), which will conduct a committee hearing to tackle the problems faced by BOHECO 1 and 2.
The hearing will be attended by officials from the cooperatives, as well as mayors and board members who have expressed concerns about the cooperatives’ service.
SP’s committees on public utilities and franchises and social services and cooperatives will conduct the hearing in aid of legislation, following a privilege speech by Board Member Tomas Abapo and an open letter penned by Mayor Duallo.
The hearing is expected to address the concerns of consumers who have complained about frequent brownouts, high electricity bills, and poor customer service. At least two persons have also filed complaints against the cooperatives.
BOHECO 1 and 2 officials have promised to improve their service, but Mayor Duallo and other critics remain skeptical, saying that the cooperatives need to do more to address the concerns of their consumers.