Marcos OKs Romblon Electric Cooperative’s 25-year franchise

Romblon Electric Cooperative (ROMELCO) has scored the approval of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to operate distribution systems in the municipalities of Banton, Corcuera, and Concepcion for the next 25 years.

Under Republic Act 12020 signed on August 29, ROMELCO is allowed to construct, install, establish, operate, own, manage, and maintain distribution systems in the three island municipalities in the Romblon province.

ROMELCO is tasked to operate and maintain all electric distribution facilities and systems “in a superior manner” at all times, and charge “reasonable and just” power rates for its services to all types of consumers within its franchised areas.

The cooperative is also expected to provide employment opportunities for the locals and required to allow on-the-job training in their franchise operation, and to establish a consumer desk to handle consumer complaints.

In line with its franchise, ROMELCO is mandated to submit an annual report to Congress before April 30. Failure to comply will make the cooperative liable to P500 in daily fines that will be collected by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).—Jon VIktor Cabuenas/RF, GMA Integrated News