TWO GOVERNMENT departments have signed a joint circular that will guide electric cooperatives on a unified mechanism concerning relocation of their power facilities that are affected by public construction.
The joint circular, signed by the Department of Energy (DoE) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), prescribes uniform guidelines and procedures for the proper payment of compensation, including recovery of cost if there is a need to relocate the distribution or subtransmission lines of the electric cooperatives.
“We have to address situations where the facilities of electric cooperatives need to be relocated due to government projects, such as road-widening, bridge construction, among others, and provide a unified mechanism for reasonable compensation to them for every affected facility,” said DoE Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi in a statement on Monday.
Undersecretary Karen Olivia V. Jimeno represented DPWH in the signing ceremony, which was held at the DoE head office in Taguig City.
“This joint initiative is in cognizance of the need to provide continuous, adequate and reliable electricity services to consumers while government projects are underway,” Mr. Cusi said.
According to the circular, a government agency implementing a public works project should coordinate with the National Electrification Administration (NEA) and electric cooperatives to address right-of-way issues. The concerns that need to be answered include claims for compensation and determination of relocation sites.
The circular also provides a formula in determining proper compensation to the electric cooperative for the cost of the removal of affected facility, the DoE said.
Mr. Cusi said with the joint circular, “we will be able to accelerate and expand access to electricity services by our people.” — Victor V. Saulon
