Electric cooperative groups warned against granting a national franchise to a private entity planning to roll out solar projects to ensure total rural electrification.
The National Association of General Managers of Electric Cooperatives and Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association expressed concerns over the planned “Solar Para Sa Bayan” project of Solar Philippines.
Solar Philippines announced last month it was completing hybrid mini grids in 12 towns in response to President Rodrigo Duterte’s call for the private sector to contribute to ending energy poverty in the Philippines.
Solar Philippines launched its Solar Para Sa Bayan to bring 24/7 power to far flung and off-grid towns at a lower cost to consumers and at zero cost to the government.
Nagmec and Philreca said in a statement Solar Philippines was applying for a “national franchise” under the so-called “Solar ng Bayan” entity, which the House Committee on Franchises is reportedly scheduled to pass during plenary deliberations Monday.