KALIBO, Aklan – Due to coronavirus pandemic restrictions, the sole electric cooperative operating in Aklan and the northern towns of Antique province vowed to find new ways to serve customers.
“We live in difficult times (but our) franchise area will continue to thrive and rise after every new set of challenges. We can make it,” said Aklan Electric Cooperative (Akelco) board president Wayne Malilay.
The pandemic has resulted to local government units restricting the movement of people and operation of businesses, including Akelco.
“Electric cooperatives (ECs) are vital in the socioeconomic and environmental viability of the nation,” said Malilay during Akelco’s 38th Annual General Membership Assembly (AGMA) done virtually on Sept. 25, 2021.
The assembly theme was “Arise as One: Championing National Development and Building Sustainable Communities through Rural Electrification.” It was attended by 28,600 member-consumers.
Akelco had been cited by the National Electrification Administration (NEA) and Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association (PHILRECA) for consistent exemplary performance as a Triple A category electric cooperative.
“It only shows the passion and dedication of the men and women of Akelco. No matter how difficult it seems, our oneness can get us through this pandemic,” Malilay said.
Akelco, he added, will continue to deliver power to the farthest un-energized sitios within its franchise area.
The cooperative has upgraded its monthly meter reading with the Read and Bill technology system for faster billing of consumed electric power, while boom trucks and linemen utility vehicles were procured for rapid and efficient service.
Akelco also improved its 10MVA Nabas substation and 10MVA Caticlan substation for the member-consumers of Ibajay, Malay, Buruanga and Nabas, portions of Tangalan and Nabas, portion of Boracay Island and the towns of Pandan and Libertad in Antique./PN