Power firm goes after pilferers in Negros

Central Negros Electric Cooperative (Ceneco) | FILE PHOTO

BACOLOD CITY––The Central Negros Electric Cooperative (Ceneco) stepped up its anti-electric pilferage operations earlier this month after incurring P325-million losses annually.

Included in its watchlist were areas under its Sum-ag Feeder 1, which include barangays Handumanan, Felisa, and Cabug, said Engineer Leo Arimas, Ceneco Technical Services Division chief, in a recent press conference.

“These are the areas where pilferage has been very rampant,” he said.

Arimas said Ceneco had increased its inspection crew from three to eight to intensify its campaign against electric pilferage.

Ceneco, he said, is offering rewards to those who could report persons who pilfer the power lines.

“The identities of those who provide pilferage tips will be kept confidential,” he said.

Arimas said they also tapped the help of barangay officials to monitor and identify pilferers.

Engineer Norman Pollentes, Ceneco corporate planning manager, said they were working on reducing its system’s loss to prevent its cost from being passed on to consumers.

The Anti-Electricity and Electric Lines/Materials Pilferage Act of 1994 says it is unlawful for a person to tap, tamper, damage, destroy, or steal from power lines and transmissions.

Violators face fines from P20,000 to P100,000, or six to 12 years of imprisonment.

Ceneco will also strictly enforce its one-bill policy that was relaxed during the COVID-19 pandemic, said Malou Parroco, the firm’s public relations officer.

“An electricity bill must be paid within nine days after it was rendered, or a notice of disconnection will be issued wherein a consumer will be given 48 hours to pay,” she said.

Ceneco is one of the 121 electric cooperatives in the Philippines. It was incorporated on Feb. 24, 1975, in this city.

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