Mindanao power shortage not affecting So. Cotabato

KORONADAL
CITY - To augment the power shortage due to preventive maintenance of two power plants of STEAG, the
South
Cotabato Electric Cooperative (Socoteco) is now utilizing its modular generator set. Santiago
Tudio, Socoteco I General Manager, said since the power shortage was
anticipated two years ago, the electric cooperative is ready to ensure the
stability of electricity in the cooperative coverage area. The reason
why we do not have brownouts unlike in other areas in Mindanao is that we have
our modular generator sets which is now operating full swing,” Tudio told Radyo
Bida Koronadal, Wednesday. The 12-MW
modular generator set contracted for four
years by Socoteco I with Conal Holdings Corporation is fueled by a more
expensive diesel, thus taking its toll on the electric bill of its member-consumers. There will
be an increase in electric bill of our member-consumers next month because we are using a dieseled-power generator set
that is more expensive compared to hyrdo or coal powered generator set,” Tudio
said.

Socoteco I
is serving one city, and seven out of ten municipalities in South Cotabato and the
adjacent town of Lutayan, Sultan Kudarat.