Lila mayor Arturo Jed Piollo wants a fair shake given to all consumers of Bohol 1 Electric Cooperative (BOHECO 1) seeking to avail of the net metering scheme for those with solar panels.
Piollo initially raised his concern in a social media post and later talked to Ardy Araneta-Batoy over Newsmakers ug Uban Pa radio program on dyTR as he discussed his concerns with BOHECO 1,
Piollo indicated he doesn’t want to start a conflict, rather settle the net metering concerns diplomatically and with the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) and perhaps with the Department of Energy (DOE).
The mayor raised concerns on net metering and the challenges faced by those classified as high voltage consumers.
Piollo commented that the current net metering policy involving high voltage consumers appears as contradictory and he sees the move as contradicting the national government’s policy to welcome solar energy set-ups especially for institutions.
Piollo claims when a consumer draws 25 kilovolt amperes (KVA), BOHECO 1 classifies it as a high voltage consumer.
High voltage consumers are apart from the ordinary as they pay a so-called demand charge on top of the consumption cost, said Piollo.
Piollo went on by saying the demand charge is paid as rental to the line operated by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP).
He continued the consumers classified under the category is obligated to pay demand charge ranging from P200 to P900 per kilowatt.
“Instead ang tuyo nato sa net metering is ang magenerate nato nga solar energy masave nato, madeduct pud nato sa bayronon kay ilabay (ang excess power) ngadto sa grid,” he explained.
Distribution companies buy the excess solar energy produced by a consumer that has solar energy panels, he added.
Net metering is a billing mechanism that credits solar energy system owners for the excess electricity they export to the grid. It uses a bi-directional meter to measure the balance between energy consumed and energy produced, allowing users to reduce monthly electricity bills by offsetting night time consumption with daytime surplus, explained Solar Panels Philippines in its website.
Piollo said while net metering can bring a savings windfall to consumers, those who are classified as high voltage consumers, because of the demand charge, may not be able to reap the savings benefit.
Furthermore, Piollo claims the policy imposed by BOHECO 1 about net metering for high voltage consumers is not found in existing regulations of ERC or DOE.
As this develops, Piollo said he plans to send a letter asking for clarification on the BOHECO 1’s policy.
He reiterated that he holds no personal grudge against BOHECO 1, as he only seeks a fair shake for institutions such as local government units (LGU) or hospitals at this time of energy crisis.
A cooperative, he said, is meant to serve the interest and benefit the people, the mayor said as cooperatives are designed to serve and to amass fat profits.
Piollo appeals to BOHECO 1 to consider the situation for the benefit of Boholanos affected by the crisis.
Piollo claims that the LGU pays P500,000 in electricity per month and the town’s annual budget for electricity is just P3 million. In this pace, Piollo argued, the budget runs out even before the year ends.
He hopes BOHECO 1 suspends its policy for now otherwise, he is going to raise the issue with national agencies in an effort to defend the interest of the people at this time of emergency.
Piollo said everyone must help each other as this is an extraordinary time and soon be judged through the actions made at the time of a crisis.
He said such a policy may be a way to take advantage of the situation.
Piollo said people’s participation in electric cooperatives is limited and the ballgame is played within the court of the board of directors who are representatives of member-consumer-owners.
Piollo, during the same interview, said the town is actively finding practical ways to gain energy as traditional power sources pose challenges.
He said the town is now seriously considering the installation of solar panels to produce power.
He added the town is realizing that the energy situation will become worse and more expensive and it is time to look for more practical solutions to produce power.
Piollo said electricity cost may rise due to increasing fuel costs.
He said the waterworks system and the town hall are the first ones to acquire solar panels to provide electrical power.
He also struck a deal with the Department of Energy to build a mini gas station that will supply fuel for local government unit (LGU) vehicles.
He is also looking to extend selling more affordable fuel from the mini gas station to farmers and fisherfolk.
Lila will acquire more affordable fuel and resell it without much profit to selected sectors who need fuel for their livelihood including those in the transport sector.
He is seeing threats and risks to food and wants to boost food security as fuel prices impacts food supplies as well by building a seed bank to ensure seeds for food production.
Piollo said corruption in government has exacerbated the crisis faced by the country.
He said as the peso gets devalued due to the lack of confidence on the government and economy by investors and the leading reason is the corruption scandals.
Piollo said he is working towards making his administration trustworthy and attract more investors to invest in Lila.
He is not going to tolerate any forms of corruption in his administration as he wants to protect reputation and the future for the benefit of the succeeding generation.