Recently, the PENELCO staff was invited again by the Association of Barangay Captains held in the two Municipalities namely, Orani and Balanga City, Bataan. This was attended by Ms. Fely Perez, Ms. Marites Alfuente, Ms. Evelyn Quicho, Ms. Gloria Malonzo, Ms. Gina Jorge and Mr. Gary Gonzales.

The group was invited just to clarify matters regarding the disconnection schedule on the so called 10 days grace period for the payment of electric bills. The ABC President reiterated to PENELCO the grievances of customers and likewise the status of our economy today. According to them, people are not aware on the abrupt change on the implementation of said disconnection. This was clearly explained by the group and most of the Honorable Barangay Captains impart and agreed that they will be extending their best support to PENELCO.

The P5.00 representing membership fee was also tackled as part of the meeting. Most of our member-consumers are claiming for a return of dividend. This part was very well discussed based on the comparison between a private company and an electric cooperative. Since PENELCO is a cooperative, this is a non-stock non-profit cooperative and not intended for business profit entity. The member-consumers have no shares but only P5.00 membership fee. The dividend which is being claimed by the Member-consumers were already given to them through reliable service, extended lines and affordable rates. Unlike in MERALCO, this is a private company that has a number of Stockholders with a certain shares of stocks.

Other topics were also discussed like the PPA, unbundling of rates and other related matters pertaining to the Standard Operating Procedure of the cooperative. (Gina M. Jorge)