Two electric cooperatives were granted 25-year franchises to construct and distribute electric power to 20 towns in Laguna and Camarines Sur.

Republic Act (RA) No. 12278 granted a 25-year franchise to First Laguna Electric Cooperative, Inc. (FLECO) to construct, operate, and maintain distribution systems for the conveyance of electric power to the end-users in the municipalities of Cavinti, Pagsanjan, Lumban, Kalayaan, Paete, Pakil, Pangil, Siniloan, Famy, Mabitac, and Sta. Maria, all in the province of Laguna.

Meanwhile, RA No. 12277 granted the Camarines Sur IV Electric Cooperative, Inc. (CASURECO IV) a similar 25-year franchise to operate in the municipalities of Ocampo, Tigaon, Sagñay, Goa, San Jose, Lagonoy, Presentacion, Garchitorena, and Caramoan, all in the province of Camarines Sur.

The two electric cooperatives are allowed to make excavations in any public places for the purpose of erecting and maintaining electric poles or other supports, with the approval of the Department of Public Works and Highways

(DPWH).

“If the grantees fail to repair any highway, road, street, lane, alley, avenue, sidewalk, or bridge they have altered within 10 days, the DPWH or the concerned local government unit shall undertake the repair and replacement, and charge the grantees double the cost and expenses incurred,” the two laws stated.

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) shall regulate the retail rates and charges for the distribution of electric power by FLECO and CASURECO IV.

The two electric cooperatives are required to report on their operations to the Senate and House of Representatives every April 30. If they fail to do so, they will be penalized PhP500 per working day of non-compliance. | PND