LA TRINIDAD, Benguet(PIA)-- Provincial officials expressed their opposition to the proposed separation of franchise on the distribution of electric power from the existing Benguet Electric Cooperative (BENECO) serving Baguio City and the province for more than four decades now .

The Provincial Board passed a resolution on first reading expressing opposition to House Bill No. 5518 entitled, “An Act granting separate legislative franchise to the Baguio Electric Cooperative (BAELCO) to operate the electric system in the City of Baguio and appropriating funds thereof”  filed in Congress by Baguio City Representative Bernardo Vergara.

BENECO, a non-stock and non-profit entity, was established in October 1973 and granted by  the National Electrification Commission the sole franchise to operate an electric light and power service for a period of 50 years.

On the other hand, BAELCO was established in 2007 advocating to electric consumers’ clamor accordingly for better services with lower electric rates and with an electric cooperative duly accredited by the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA).

Republic Act 9520 or Philippine Cooperative Code of 2008 calls for the conversion of electric cooperatives to regular cooperatives and be transferred under the supervision of the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA). BENECO has not yet converted to a  regular cooperative.

The SP members in crafting  the measure  claimed that the instant division of the BENECO and the creation of BAELCO will adversely diminish and stunt the projected development of rural areas and communities which are still being targeted for energization for their own development and economic growth.

They say that the operation of a different electric system for Baguio City separate from BENECO clearly prejudices the rights and privileges of all communities being catered to by the electric power generating utilities,  which likewise are being safeguarded by the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) of 2002.

It must be established that the main and sole source of electric energy for the province and other provinces including Baguio City are provided by the electric power generating dams located in the province such as the Ambuklao and Binga dams, the officials stated.

Governor Nestor Fongwan is also  opposed to the separation of a franchise for Baguio as there were no consultations that took place.

He said giving another franchise to BAELCO contradicts concept of BLISTT or the Baguio-La Trinidad-Itogon-Sablan-Tuba-Tublay. The concept is an alliance of the developing areas on population growth, land management, housing, tourism, infrastructure, natural hazards and plan implementation within the outskirts of Baguio City for  economic upliftment and development. He said if they are questioning the management of BENECO then they just question management but not to have a separate franchise.(SCAro-PIA CAR)