The National Electrification Administration (NEA) announced plans to invest at least P600 million to rehabilitate the facilities of Basilan Electric Cooperative (Baselco), aiming to modernize its outdated infrastructure and improve service reliability.
NEA administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda said on Tuesday that the project includes relocating primary distribution lines along major roads across Basilan Island to allow faster repairs and reduce power interruptions.
“We are drafting the plan to align the sub-transmission backbone along the roads surrounding the entire island,” Almeda said.
He emphasized that the success of the initiative hinges on cooperation from local government units and residents, particularly in improving collection efficiency. He cited Lanao del Sur’s improved performance as a model, where support from local leaders helped double collections.
“We just have to make our constituents understand that they have to pay for electricity,” Almeda said, warning that government support is not sustainable without improved consumer compliance.
As of the latest Department of Energy data, Baselco serves 29,321 customers within a franchise area of 391,179 people. NEA supervises 121 electric cooperatives nationwide.
