The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is reinforcing its commitment to fair and accurate electricity billing in Mindanao through a comprehensive series of inspections and testing conducted throughout April 2025.
Spearheaded by the Consumer Affairs Service – Mindanao Area Operations Division (CAS-MAOD), under the leadership of Atty. Arjay Louie Eu B. Cuanan, Chief Energy Regulation Officer, these proactive measures ensure that distribution utilities and electric cooperatives adhere strictly to technical standards and regulatory requirements outlined in ERC Resolution No. 12, Series of 2009.
CAS-MAOD teams diligently carried out annual surveillance assessments of authorized meter shops at five key electric cooperatives: Agusan del Sur Electric Cooperative, Inc. (ASELCO), Bukidnon II Electric Cooperative, Inc. (BUSECO), Cotabato Electric Cooperative, Inc.-PPALMA (COTELCO-PPALMA), and Camiguin Electric Service Cooperative, Inc. (CAMELCO).
Conducted in weekly batches from April 2nd to 30th, 2025, these thorough inspections, led by Engrs. Alexes Y. Mongas, Angelito R. Tadena, and Kim L. Malaki meticulously evaluated the cooperatives’ ongoing compliance with their Certificates of Authority to operate and maintain meter shops. The assessments encompassed a detailed review of metering equipment, shop facilities, the qualifications of technical personnel, and the timely submission of required reports.
In a parallel effort, the ERC also prioritized the accuracy of crucial electrical components by conducting rigorous testing and calibration of instrument transformers at First Bukidnon Electric Cooperative, Inc. (FIBECO), Lanao del Norte Electric Cooperative, Inc. (LANECO), and Agusan del Norte Electric Cooperative, Inc. (ANECO). This vital activity, also executed by Engrs. Mongas, Tadena, and Malaki in weekly batches from April 2nd to 25th, 2025, ensured that these transformers meet stringent accuracy tolerances both before installation and during their operational lifespan.
Further bolstering the integrity of electricity measurement, Engr. Reggie O. Obregon led the testing and calibration of watt-hour meter standards at ASELCO from April 22nd to 25th, 2025. This focused initiative verified that the percent error of these critical meter standards remained within acceptable limits, directly contributing to the precision of electricity billing for consumers in the region.
These intensive field activities underscore the ERC’s unwavering dedication to maintaining high standards of metering accuracy and fostering technical compliance within Mindanao’s distribution utilities. By proactively verifying adherence to regulations, the ERC is actively safeguarding the rights and interests of electricity consumers across the region, ensuring fair and transparent energy consumption measurement.
