NEA energizes 1,520 sitios in last quarter of 2011

MANILA, Philippines - True to its commitment to intensify government’s electrification effort, the National Electrification Administration (NEA) reported that it has given power to more sitios in the last quarter of 2011.

NEA said together with the Department of Energy (DOE) and 96 electric cooperatives (ECs) nationwide, it had energized 1,520 sitios or villages benefiting 30,014 household connections in 90 days.

NEA administrator Edita Bueno, said this initiative is in line with the directive of President Aquino to allow more far flung areas to have electricity.

“The energization of these sitios is part of President Aquino’s social contract with the Filipino people,” Bueno said.

For 2012, NEA said they expect 833 more sitios to be energized with an estimated funding requirement of P589.32 million.

Likewise, 202 barangays which were previously electrified through solar home systems are expected to be connected to the main grid through the Barangay Line Enhancement Program. This program will improve the electricity service being enjoyed by member consumers.

The Sitio Electrification Program (SEP) is in line with the 16-point agenda of the Aquino administration.

It had the full support of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), through the timely release of P814.41 million on Sept. 22, 2011.

NEA started to release these funds to the ECs on Sept. 28. The electrification of these sitios in identified areas was implemented for the period Oct. 1 to Dec. 31, 2011. 

The DOE/NEA and EC partnership has deployed 1,520 crews of five members each from the 96 ECs.

They were able to construct 2,727 kilometers of lines; erected 20,709 poles; installed 977 transformers; installed 30,000 kilo watt hour meters; and connected 60,000 initial bulbs in the 1,520 sitios nationwide.

Bueno said this is more than the original target of 1,410 sitios for the period.

The first sitio energized was Sitio Campo, Brgy. Jaguimitan in Nasipit, Agusan del Norte on Oct. 12, 2011 while the latest one to be energized was Sitio Garang, Brgy. Patitinan in Sangay, Camarines Sur on Dec. 28, 2011.

It is expected that these accomplishments will generate significant and focused economic investment and intervention in the remote rural areas.