No more blackouts as Abra power co-op forges new deal

Bangued, Abra, Philippines – Fears of blackouts on election day in this province were allayed with the Abra Electric Cooperative (Abreco) forging a new power supply agreement with Aboitiz Power Renewables Inc. (APRI).

This came after the APRI issued a “notice of disconnection” on Jan. 29, advising Abreco that it would be cut off from the grid as its power supply agreement was terminated on Jan. 20. 

The notice of disconnection was supposed to take effect on Feb. 7. Abreco alleged that it did not officially receive the notice.

Abreco officials though were able to convince APRI to give the power cooperative better and more flexible terms and conditions, particularly in the payment of its monthly bills.

APRI, however, maintained its position that Abreco pay P4 million on Jan. 31, Feb. 7, Feb. 14, and Feb. 21. 

Abreco finally reached an agreement with APRI on Jan. 30, but the power supplier demanded supply agreements made on a monthly basis.