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Eastern Samar Electric Cooperative (ESAMELCO) is an electric distribution utility that provides electricity to the province of Eastern Samar in the Philippines. It is a member-owned and non-profit organization that was established in 1974 to promote the economic and social development of the region through the provision of reliable and affordable electricity.

ESAMELCO serves a total of 222 barangays (villages) in Eastern Samar and has an estimated customer base of around 90,000. The cooperative operates and maintains over 1,400 kilometers of distribution lines and has a peak load demand of 22 megawatts.

Over the years, ESAMELCO has faced several challenges in providing reliable electricity to its customers due to the remote and rugged terrain of Eastern Samar, which makes it difficult to maintain power lines and infrastructure. However, the cooperative has made significant strides in improving its services and has implemented several projects to upgrade and expand its distribution network.

ESAMELCO is also committed to promoting sustainable energy practices and has launched various initiatives to encourage its customers to adopt renewable energy technologies such as solar power. The cooperative is a member of the National Association of General Managers of Electric Cooperatives and is regulated by the National Electrification Administration.

GOVERNMENT AGENCIES REGULATING ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES:

1. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY:

The Philippine energy program is continuously developed and updated to ensure the integration and comprehensiveness of the exploration, development, utilization, distribution, and conservation of energy resources. This program gives preference to environment-friendly, indigenous, and low-cost sources of energy. The Secretary of the Department of Energy holds the ex officio position of chairman of the respective boards of the Philippine National Oil Company, National Power Corporation, and National Electrification Administration, concurrently, unless directed otherwise by the President. The Secretary of the Department of Energy is also authorized to recommend to the President the reorganization of the boards of directors of the aforementioned energy companies.

2. ENERGY REGULATION COMMISSION:

It is hereby declared that the authority of the National Power Corporation (NPC) to determine, fix and prescribe the rates charged to its customers, as provided under Section 4 of Republic Act No. 6395, as amended, as well as the power of electric cooperatives to fix rates under Section 16 (o), Chapter II of Presidential Decree No. 269, as amended, shall be transferred to the Energy Regulatory Board. It is further mandated that the Board shall exercise its newly acquired powers only after proper notice and hearing, and in accordance with the same nature provided for under Executive Order No. 172.

3. NATIONAL ELECTRIFICATION ADMINISTRATION:

Powers, Functions and Privileges of the National Electrification Administration. – supervision over electric cooperatives.

LAWS GOVERNING ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES

Republic Act No. 10531 or the National Electrification Administration Reform Act of 201

This law provides for the creation of the National Electrification Administration (NEA) as the governing body of electric cooperatives in the Philippines. It aims to strengthen and modernize the electrification program in the countryside.

Republic Act No. 7832 or the Anti-Electricity and Electric Transmission Lines/Materials Pilferage Act of 1994 

This law penalizes the theft or pilferage of electricity and electric transmission lines/materials. It aims to deter and prevent the illegal tapping of electric power and transmission lines.

Republic Act No. 9511 or the Environmental Awareness and Education Act of 2008 

This law requires electric cooperatives to comply with environmental standards and regulations. It aims to promote environmental education and awareness, and to ensure that the operations of electric cooperatives are environmentally sustainable.

Republic Act No. 9136 or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 (EPIRA) 

This law aims to promote competition and encourage private sector participation in the power industry. It established the legal and regulatory framework for the restructuring of the electric power industry in the Philippines.

Presidential Decree No. 1645 or the Rural Electrification Decree of 1980

This decree provided for the electrification of all municipalities and barangays in the Philippines. It mandated the establishment of electric cooperatives to undertake the electrification program in rural areas.

Department of Energy (DOE) Circular No. 2003-10-001 or the Guidelines on the Establishment and Operation of Electric Cooperatives 

This circular provides guidelines on the establishment and operation of electric cooperatives in the Philippines.

DOE Circular No. 2015-06-002 or the Guidelines on the Implementation of the Net Metering Program 

This circular provides guidelines on the implementation of the Net Metering Program, which allows customers to install their own renewable energy systems and connect them to the grid.

DOE Circular No. 2019-08-003 or the Guidelines for the Implementation of the Green Energy Option Program (GEOP) 

This circular provides guidelines on the implementation of the Green Energy Option Program, which allows customers to choose their electricity supply from renewable energy sources.