NEA seeks expanded authority over electricity distributors

THE National Electrification Administration (NEA) wants to expand its authority to include under its mandate not just nonprofit electric cooperatives but also privately owned distribution utilities (DUs).

NEA Administrator Edgardo R. Masongsong said he wanted only one authority to supervise all DUs “whether you are an electric cooperative or you are private.” He made the call during the 20th conference of the National Association of General Managers of Electric Cooperatives last week.

“Maybe we can do that especially (now) that we have a President who is pro-people, pro-electricity consumers. Maybe this is the time for us to lobby that we will have one agency supervising all DUs,” NEA said in a statement, quoting Mr. Masongsong.

NEA said its administrator had asked the general managers of the electric cooperatives to help him lobby before Congress to increase its mandate by putting private investors-owned utilities and private distribution utilities under the agency’s charge as well.

The NEA supervises 121 electric cooperatives all over the country.

Mr. Masongsong also asked the electric cooperatives to endorse the refiling of House Bill 6080, which hopes to modify the qualifications for, and create a screening committee in the election or appointment of their directors and officers.

He also urged cooperatives to seek funding for the development of renewable energy in their respective franchise areas and push for the creation of their standard charter, a magna carta for energy workers, as well as the creation of “Linemen Training Academy.”

During the conference, Mr. Masongsong reiterated the new priorities of the agency in line with the five-point electricity agenda of the President and the nine-point energy policy of Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi. —