Evardone opposes 124% power rate increase in Eastern Samar

By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
March 11, 2008

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte  –  Eastern Samar Governor strongly opposed the imposition of 124% increase in power rate being charged by the Eastern Samar Electric Cooperative (ESAMELCO).

In separate interviews with the local radio stations in Tacloban, Governor Evardone said that the increase is exorbitant especially at this time when the people of Eastern Samar are still reeling from the damages of the recent flash floods.

Governor Evardone said that when he learned about this increase on Sunday, he immediately called Manager Aberia of ESAMELCO. He was told that the increase is due to the increase in the transmission of power that caused the electric cooperative to incur P7 million.

The Governor said that he informed President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo about this, and the President also believes that no increase should be allowed at this time. The President told Governor Evardone to tell the manager of ESAMELCO not to collect increases at this time.

Further, Governor Evardone said he also called up the President of Philippine Transmission Corporation (TRANSCO) to inform him of the predicament of the people of Eastern Samar.

Governor Evardone called up a public hearing on Tuesday, together with the management of ESAMELCO so that the appropriate action will be taken into effect.

Meanwhile, Governor Evardone called on the people of Eastern Samar not to pay the increase in power and to just pay with the old rate. Although, the manager of ESAMELCO assured him that those who have paid with the new rate will be refunded, Governor Evardone said that it will be too taxing to the people as the issuance of the refund will entail a lot of paperwork.