The Federation of Rural Electric Cooperatives in Region 8 (Frecor 8) held a two-day seminar on public service and regulatory framework of electric cooperatives and distribution utilities on February 9-10, 2017 in Catbalogan City.

The seminar was in response to the proposition of DOE Usec Petronilo “Pete” Ilagan in an earlier meeting with Frecor 8 on January 17 to hold a forum with the end view of professionalizing the EC Board and management and re-educating them on the fundamental regulations governing and affecting the electric cooperatives.

Usec Ilagan said that ECs are just substitute to the state in the delivery of electric service.

“ECs are regulated because we are on public service… and public service starts in the office,” he stressed.

Among the resource speakers of the seminar were officials from the National Electrification Administration (NEA) and the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).

Edmundo Aguilar, NEA IRD Chief, discussed the pertinent laws governing NEA and the ECs, the functions and rights of NEA, and the qualifications and disqualifications of the Board.

On the other hand, Regina Genosas, Senior EC Development Officer of NEA, presented the roles and functions of the Board and the General Manager.

On the part of the ERC, Leila Cirio and Glicerio Amparo, Jr., both regulation officers, expounded on the regulatory framework and policies governing power supply agreement applications and competitive selection process power procurement.