ZAMSURECO II Management Explains Billing Issues Before Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Board
Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay - The new management of ZAMSURECO II appeared before the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Zamboanga Sibugay on Tuesday to explain the electric cooperative's current financial and operational situation, address consumer complaints over recent electricity billings, and deny rumors that the cooperative is being prepared for privatization.
The appearance was made following the Provincial Board's invitation amid growing public concern over higher electricity bills, allegations that actual meter readings were not conducted in some areas, and reports circulating on social media regarding the cooperative's future.
The delegation was led by Acting General Manager Atty. Jordanne B. Chan-Antonio, together with members of the new management team composed of officials from different electric cooperatives tasked by the National Electrification Administration (NEA) to help rehabilitate ZAMSURECO II.
The discussion opened with a presentation by Engr. Kenneth Albrecht, who outlined the cooperative's operational history from 2014 to the present. Chan-Antonio then presented the cooperative's current status and answered questions from the members of the Provincial Board.
One of the main issues raised during the session was the recent increase in consumers' monthly electricity bills.
Chan-Antonio explained that the cooperative adopted an averaging scheme for billing, which she said is permitted under existing Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) rules under certain circumstances.
She said the computation was based on the consumers' average electricity consumption for the previous three months instead of relying solely on actual monthly meter readings.
According to Chan-Antonio, the billing period was also advanced by several days to allow the cooperative to collect payments early enough to meet the due dates of its loan obligations.
ADVERTISEMENT
She explained that paying the loans on time would reduce interest charges and prevent additional arrears from accumulating, helping improve the cooperative's financial position.
The acting general manager assured the Provincial Board that the arrangement was intended only as a temporary measure and would not become a regular billing practice.
During the discussion, Chan-Antonio acknowledged that ZAMSURECO II remains an ailing electric cooperative and said the problems confronting the organization are extensive.
She disclosed that the initial findings of the new management point to corruption as one of the major factors behind the cooperative's present condition.
According to her, the irregularities being investigated involve not only outside transactions but also activities allegedly involving some employees of the cooperative.
Chan-Antonio said a forensic investigation is now being conducted to determine accountability and verify records and transactions.
Among the initial findings presented were reported accomplishments that allegedly could not be validated on the ground.
She cited as an example projects reported as completed, including the supposed energization of certain areas, which initial validation allegedly showed had not actually taken place.
The management also reported discovering substandard power line towers and other infrastructure concerns that are now being evaluated.
Chan-Antonio said one factor that may have contributed to these issues was the difficulty encountered by NEA in conducting inspections in previous years because of peace and order concerns in some service areas.
She also informed the Provincial Board that ZAMSURECO II is currently undermanned, making rehabilitation efforts more challenging while reforms are simultaneously being implemented.
Board Member Atty. Eldwin Alibutdan asked the acting general manager to clarify reports that ZAMSURECO II was being prepared for privatization.
Chan-Antonio categorically denied the reports, saying no such plan exists.
She added that the cooperative's substantial financial obligations make privatization highly unlikely, noting that it would be difficult to attract private investors willing to assume the existing liabilities.
Following the clarification, Alibutdan reiterated his opposition to any move that would privatize the electric cooperative.
Before the session concluded, Chan-Antonio acknowledged that the issues raised by the Provincial Board could not be fully addressed in one meeting.
She requested additional time to present the cooperative's long-term recovery roadmap, rehabilitation program, and possible areas where the Provincial Government may provide support.
The Provincial Board agreed to invite the ZAMSURECO II management back in a succeeding session to continue the discussions.
