Ceneco’s move confusing, consumer group leader says

By Dolly Yasa

 

BACOLOD City – Power Watch-Negros secretary-general Wennie Sancho accused Central Negros Electric Cooperative (Ceneco) here of issuing a confusing statement on the issue of “reimbursing overcharged consumers.”

In a statement, Sancho said that prior to Ceneco’s announcement that it already started reimbursing overcharged consumers, Roel Venus, the cooperative’s spokesman, said they had not received any official communication from Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) Chair Devanadera on the matter of reimbursement.

Sancho claimed that Venus  explained later that they were able to read the ERC advisory on March 20, 2020 but they had already initiated the billing cut-off five days earlier on March 15, 2020 which would seem to justify that Ceneco has not done any violation.

“If there was no violation on the part of Ceneco, how come that it was included as among the six distribution utilities which have been found to be in violation of the ERC advisory?” Sancho asked.

“They should come up with a clear statement as to what are these specific amounts that were deducted.”

He also said that “trying to find ways to evade their liabilities would only add to the confusion.”

Sancho claimed that Ceneco’s statement is filled with inconsistencies as if they have already complied with the ERC order.

“It is frustrating for those consumers who are expecting for reimbursement only to be informed that these overcharges were already deducted from their monthly bills,” he added.

Like in the past, Ceneco management denied that there is overcontracting of power supply, now they are trying to deny the consumers of their “reimbursement” because these were deducted already, Sancho further said.

He added that Ceneco should come out with a credible explanation on this issue otherwise the consumers might think that something is being done surreptitiously.

On July 10, OIC-General Manager Engr. Jose Taniongon said that they have yet to finalize the statement of CENECO, contrary to the statement of Venus.

“Their opposing statements deepen the confusion,” Sancho said.

Daily Guardian is still waiting for Venus’ comment.