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VIRAC, Catanduanes: Three mini hydroelectric power plants are being
developed here to become a source of power in this 11-town island
province.
Having the most inadequate and unreliable supply
of electricity for several decades, the First Catanduanes Electric
Cooperative (Ficelco) already signed the Energy Supply Agreement
with the Sunwest Water and Electric Company (Suweco).
The Ficelco board of directors has ratified the
energy supply agreement since May 2007, said Ficelco President
Rollie B. Canada.
Canada said that with the hydroelectric source
of power, Catanduanes residents could expect reliable power supply
and cheaper rate for electricity.
According to documents obtained by The Manila
Times, all is set for the three mini-hydroelectric power plants to
start operations by 2010, barring unforeseen circumstances.
Manny Vergel, consultant of Suweco said the
Energy Regulatory Commission have already conducted its hearing in
the province two weeks ago on the hydroelectric projects after the
company complied with 9 major requirements starting with the
endorsements of local officials.
The mini-hydroelectric project was strongly
supported by two Bicolano Senators Joker Arroyo and Gringo Honasan,
and the three former provincial governors of Catanduanes who lobbied
for the projects during their terms.
Former governor Leandro Verceles Jr. said the
long dream of Catandunganons to have a stable and cheaper rate for
electricity would soon be realized. He said the projects are in
consonance with RA 7156 known as the mini-hydroelectric power
incentive act in 1989.
Rizaldy S. Co, president and chief executive
officer of the Sunwest group of companies, said that Suweco has
already infused closed to a billion pesos in the development of the
three projects in Catanduanes located at Solong, San Miguel town;
Hitoman, 1 and 11 at Caamoran town.
Co said his company is also in the preliminary
hydropower projects in three sites in Malinao, Albay and in various
sites in Sorsogon on the micro level.
-- Manny T. Ugalde
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