‘BE SPECIFIC’: PECO wants ERC to pinpoint hazardous poles

By: Emme Rose Santiagudo

Panay Electric Co. (PECO) urged the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to pinpoint which distribution poles are considered dangerous to consumers.

While they intend to comply with the orders of the ERC to explain purported operational lapses, PECO legal counsel Estrella Elamparo said they find it hard to address the violations since the ERC findings did not specify the poles that committed violations.

“We intend to make formal motion to clarify the orders for them to specify which particular poles are involved and which specific violations. We find ourselves in a position na hindi namin ma-address yung sinasabing violation dahil hindi naman na identify doon sa order so gusto namin malaman which poles, kasi daan-daan poles itong pinag-uusapan natin,” Elamparo said in a phone interview.

Elamparo said the findings of the ERC also failed to mention the pole fires that were enumerated by the mayor in his letter-complaint.

“Surprisingly, no mention of any pole fires doon sa finding ng inspections team apparently, wala naman sila binanggit or kinonfirm na may nangyaring pole fires, not a single pole fire was mentioned in the report but they noted other violations,” she lamented.

Despite this, Elamapro assured that they will comply with the corrective measures once the poles are specifically identified.

 

In an order dated on Nov. 26, 2019, the findings of the inspection team revealed that PECO’s protective devises were not properly rated and designed.

According to ERC, “some poles were found leaning and in unsafe positions; and some meters were found to be clustered and installed in an Elevated Metering Center (EMC) without securing prior ERC approval.

“Based on the findings of the ERC technical team that conducted the ocular inspection on the electric distribution system of PECO, the latter committed lapses in the operations and maintenance of its distribution system thereby posing danger and risks to the lives and properties of its consumers,” said ERC Chairperson and CEO Agnes VST Devanadera said in a news release.

ERC stressed that the said lapses violated the provisions of the Philippine Distribution Code (PDC) 2017 Edition; Amended Distribution Services and Open Access Rules (DSOAR); Amended Elevated Metering Center (EMC) Rules; and ERC Resolution No. 12, Series of 2009 (Guidelines for the Accreditation of Satellite Laboratories of Meter Shops).

“PECO must submit its explanation within fifteen (15) days from receipt of the Commission’s Order pursuant to the relevant provisions of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA). We need to accord PECO the opportunity to explain its side before we evaluate the extent of their liability for the operational lapses that were discovered,” Devanadera added.

In a separate order issued on Nov. 27, ERC once again pointed out the violations of PECO citing that 16 concrete poles and 11 wooden poles were found leaning beyond the prescribed limit.

Out of the 29 voltage testing conducted, three were measured under-voltage resulting to another violation of the amended DSOAR, ERC added.

Following the violations, ERC directed PECO to implement the necessary corrective measures on its distribution network and submit a report detailing the actions taken within 30 days from receipt of the order.