Joint Session of the Committee on Power, Energy and Franchising and Committee on Laws, Rules and Regulations

24 June 2021- The Isabela II Electric Cooperative attended the Joint Session of the Committee on Power, Energy and Franchising and Committee on Laws, Rules and Regulations chaired by Hon. Edward S. Isidro and Hon. Delfinito Emmanuel L. Albano, respectively, held at the Green Room, Isabela Provincial Capitol, Alibagu, City of Isabela. The appearance of ISELCO II employees led by General Manager David Solomon Siquian before the legislative body was to clarify matters concerning power bill spike for the month of June and the frequent occurrence of power outages in its coverage area. Also present during the joint committee hearing were Vice Governor Bojie G. Dy III, some Sangguniang Panlalawigan members and a few member-consumers affected by the power rate hike.

GM Siquian explained, among others, that regular power providers had a forced outage due to maintenance issues causing a dip in power supply available constraining ISELCO II to purchase additional power supply from Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) which charges a higher rate than its regular power providers to minimize occurrences of power interruptions. GM Dave likewise stated that electric cooperatives nationwide are undergoing similar problem. In attendance during the hearing from ISELCO II side are department managers of the Finance Services – Mr. Liborio P. Medrano, Institutional Services – Ms. Pinky Ann C. Lucas, Technical Services – Engr. Joseph S, Palattao and Division Chiefs Genaro Lucas, Joel Agonoy and Eldon Balisi.

Prior to attendance in above hearing, employees of ISELCO II again led by GM David Siquian appeared on radio interviews via zoom at 98.5 Ifm on June 19, 2021 and public address in various barangays was conducted before the roll out of power bills reflecting the rate increase. Above radio interview was immediately followed by another interview at Bombo Radyo Cauayan on June 23, 2021. In the radio interviews are the Department Managers of Finance Services – Mr. Liborio Medrano, Corporate Planning – Mr. Charles Roy Olinares and Energy Trading Services Division Chief – Engr. Genaro Lucas