By: Vanessa Bugtong
Benguet Electric Cooperative (BENECO) is set to continue delivering power service for the next 25 years after the Senate approved a proposed bill granting the cooperative a renewed franchise.
For small business owners like Gracelyn Tolabis of Barangay MRR Queen of Peace, the continuation of BENECO’s service means stability.
Gracelyn, 42, runs a snack shop where she cooks daily offerings using an electric stove, her more affordable alternative to LPG.
“When the power goes out, I can’t prepare food properly. The cooking slows down,” she shared. “They do follow the schedule most of the time. If they say the power will be back in the afternoon, it usually returns with only a few minutes of delay.”
Gracelyn also expressed concern over high electricity bills, saying her recent payment nearly tripled.
“From 1,076 pesos, my bill last month shot up to 2,900 pesos,” she said.
These concerns, along with uninterrupted service, are among the issues the cooperative aims to address through House Bill 10483.
The measure grants BENECO a new 25-year franchise set to begin before the current one expires in 2028.
“We’re no longer worried because it’s already approved in the Senate’s third and final reading,” said Laarni Ilagan, BENECO spokesperson. “As early as 2025, we started working to make sure electricity supply won’t be disrupted across the province.”
Twenty-one senators voted in favor of the franchise renewal, with no objections or abstentions.
Once signed into law by the President, or if left unacted upon for 30 days, the bill ensures continuous power distribution to the 13 Benguet towns and Baguio City currently under BENECO’s coverage.
“As long as the new law takes effect, we can continue providing local, affordable electricity for decades,” Ilagan added.
