House of Representatives (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)





The House Committee on Energy could be a potential venue of relief for Nasugbu Batangas residents who have been enduring frequent power outages and ruinous voltage fluctuations under the services of Batangas Electric Cooperative (BATELEC I). The House energy panel is chaired by Marinduque lone district Rep. Lord Alan Velasco. Entities involved in energy or power generation, transmission, distribution and supply fall wiltin the ambit of the committee, which can hold public hearings on related matters. Report said that these frequent power interruptions in Nasugbu--often punctuated by voltage fluctuations that wreak havoc on appliances and equipment both at homes and businesses--have caused residents to band together to urge local officials to initiate a proposed transfer of electricity services from BATELEC I to the Manila Electric Company (Meralco). These same residents are reportedly mulling to seek help from the House energy panel in this regard. Meralco's coverage includes Metro Manila, where it is the sole electricity distributor, as well as some nearby provinces, like Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon. Nasugbu Mayor Tony Barcelon has reportedly conveyed the grievances of his constituents to both BATELEC I and relevant government agencies overseeing electric cooperatives. “Nasugbu stands united, echoing the voice of over 22,000 signatures, demanding nothing short of excellence in electricity services. Together, we urge a transition to Meralco, in our pursuit of quality power for our progressive community," he said. He called on BATELEC I to collaborate with the local government unit (LGU) to explore viable options of transferring electricity services to Meralco to improve the quality of life of his constituents and efficient local business operations in the municipality. Complaints on the services provided by electric cooperatives in Southern Luzon have been increasing in recent months.