Cusi is open to resolving the woes of electric co-ops

Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi is interested in resolving the issues plaguing electric cooperatives around the country.

“I am always open, DoE (Department of Energy) is always open. DoE is a government institution that is open to all,” Cusi said.

Cusi, however, said he had not received any formal communication from The Philippine Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives on a meeting proposed by electric cooperatives in Davao City on March 19.

Cusi stressed that he holds office at the PNOC Complex in Taguig City that handles issues related to the energy sector.

“We are reviewing not just the ECs performance… distribution utilities and generation companies are also reviewed,” Cusi said.

“We are serving the public. We cannot leave the welfare of the public to the sweet time of the ECs or the DUs,” he said.

Cusi stressed he was just doing his job and would not be cowered and distracted “by fear of what the affected party will do.”

“I will not tolerate inefficiencies and non-performance on the job,” he said.

He said he respected the position taken by Philreca, representing the country’s 121 ECs.

“We have to do the right thing for our country at all times. We cannot turn a blind eye to the pressing need for improved access and quality electricity services in some parts of the Philippines,” he said. Alena Mae S. Flores

“We understand that there will be parties who might resist the required reforms. However, as public officials, we cannot and should not be deterred by any threat that aims to derail us from performing our duties to the Filipino people,” Cusi said.

He said the cooperation and inputs of ECs were crucial to the successful resolution of the deep-seated problems besetting cooperatives for many years.

“We continue to ask the ECs and their leadership not to politicize this process, which only seeks to transform the state of electrification in the country to foster growth needed to significantly improve the lives of our countrymen,” Cusi said.