BATANGAS — The National Electrification Administration (NEA), headed by Administrator Antonio Mariano C. Almeda, needs to clarify the status of the Competitive Selection Process (CSP) submitted by Batangas II Electric Cooperative (BATELEC II), as the proposed process remains pending before the agency.
BATELEC II has already submitted its CSP, according to the updated information provided for this report. The outstanding question is therefore what action NEA will take and when the cooperative can proceed with a competitive evaluation of prospective partners.
For consumers, a clear regulatory timetable would help explain the next steps toward evaluating investments intended to improve electricity services.
Meralco has proposed a joint venture with BATELEC II to modernize its distribution network, improve power reliability and reduce system losses. These are the proposal’s stated objectives; its submission does not establish that Meralco has been selected as a partner.
The pending process comes amid scrutiny of another electric cooperative partnership. The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered Almeda and six other NEA officials to answer complaints concerning the proposed joint venture between South Cotabato II Electric Cooperative (SOCOTECO II) and Ignite Power and Energy Holdings Inc.
That proposed transaction has drawn consumer opposition and questions about transparency and the approval process. The order to answer the complaints does not constitute a finding of wrongdoing.
The SOCOTECO II controversy offers a cautionary comparison for BATELEC II: decisions affecting cooperative operations should follow transparent procedures, with consumers able to understand how proposals are considered.
NEA can address the uncertainty by explaining the status of BATELEC II’s submission, identifying any outstanding requirements and providing a timetable for its action. Timely disclosure would help consumers assess whether the proposed selection process is moving forward with appropriate safeguards..| BNN Integrated News
