Bohol Electric Cooperatives 1 and 2 (BOHECO 1 and 2) are expressing fears over the potential acquisition by a large conglomerate, saying it could silence consumer voices.

The cooperatives cited instances where other electric coops in the country have been absorbed by private firms through joint venture agreements. 

Sergio Dago-oc, a representative from the Association of Philippine Electric Cooperatives (APEC) party list, raised this issue, noting that such mergers often result in consumers losing their influence. 

“Consumers may no longer be able to complain about sudden surges in electric bills,” Dago-oc said.

He suggested that member-consumers could prevent privatization by opposing these agreements, which are often backed by local politicians. 

In Bohol, some mayors previously signed a resolution urging the merger of BOHECO with Bohol Light, a private firm.

The resolution comes amid ongoing brownout issues, particularly in BOHECO 2 service areas, which have frustrated consumers.

In a related development, Dago-oc warned that BOHECO 2 customers will continue facing brownouts until a new substation is constructed. 

He bared that amendments to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA), recently approved on its second reading in the House of Representatives, could expedite such projects. 

The amendments would grant the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) greater authority, including adding a commissioner and establishing dedicated divisions for the Visayas and Mindanao regions.

“If the Visayas gets its own division, it will be easier for cooperatives like BOHECO 2 to build facilities such as substations,” Dago-oc explained. 

BOHECO 2 has already submitted a proposal to the ERC to construct a substation in Getafe town to address frequent power outages in the area and nearby areas.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan has investigated the brownout problem and identified the lack of a substation as the primary cause. 

With the EPIRA amendments pending final approval, Dago-oc remains optimistic that future infrastructure improvements will reduce power interruptions.