Accountability
Cover Story

Accountability

Dec 17, 2024, 6:02 AM
Miguel Raymundo

Miguel Raymundo

Writer

When issues happen once, they can be tolerated, but when they occur repeatedly, it becomes absurd; persistent problems lead to outright abuse.

The Don Orestes Romualdez Electric Cooperative, Inc. (DORELCO) faces significant scrutiny as service levels continue to decline.


Customers are frustrated due to a series of power outages that have plagued the localities over the past few days.


Some residents reported experiencing multiple brownouts within a single day.


A dissatisfied resident from Tanauan expressed his anger, saying, "The conduct maintenance that takes twelve hours, but the outages persist. It feels like we’re being taken advantage of."


Another local voiced concern on social media, blaming DORELCO’s management for the lack of accountability and planning regarding these power outages.


Despite paying about P16 per kilowatt hour in November, which is higher than other cooperatives that charge P12-P13, consumers feel their needs are being overlooked.


Social media users pointed out that DORELCO selectively posts updates about issues on their Facebook page, often placing blame on the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP).


One commenter noted that DORELCO quickly attributes problems to NGCP but fails to provide a full account of their shortcomings.


In response, DORELCO Manager Christopher Garcia explained that recent fluctuations in power supply stem from a line fault between Canangga and Capoocan, connected to problems at a substation in Ormoc.


Yet locals argue that this issue is simply the tipping point in a long history of inadequate service from both DORELCO and NGCP.


A concerned netizen highlighted that outages along the Ormoc-San Osidro line happen regularly, suggesting that repairs seem temporary rather than lasting.


Consumers are not merely attacking DORELCO; they are voicing genuine frustrations about a service they rely on.


Regardless of the source of the problem, both NGCP and DORELCO must collaborate to develop effective solutions that tackle the recurring outages at their core.


Residents are demanding more accountability and transparency from those responsible for their power supply.


Frequent brownouts disrupt daily life, hinder businesses, and create widespread dissatisfaction.


In an age where most activities depend on steady electricity, people expect reliable service.


Residents have shared experiences of disrupted work schedules, spoiled food, and interrupted online classes, illustrating that outages affect far more than just a flickering light.


Local business owners worry, too, as frequent power disruptions deter customers and result in accumulating financial losses.


Compounding these issues is DORELCO's lack of clear communication, which frustrates customers further.


Relying on social media comments to get updates is not a sustainable or acceptable method of communication.


Customers deserve timely information directly from DORELCO regarding ongoing issues, especially when paying a premium for their services.


When electric rates exceed those of neighboring cooperatives, consumers naturally expect a corresponding standard of service.


Unfortunately, many feel they are not receiving fair value for their payments.


Trust is vital in the relationship between a service provider and its consumers, and this trust is dwindling with each unsatisfactory service encounter.


It is essential for DORELCO and NGCP to foster a genuine understanding and collaboration moving forward.


Both entities must recognize that placing blame will not address the persistent challenges affecting the cooperative.


Instead of finger-pointing, management should engage in open dialogue focused on creating workable solutions.


This approach necessitates investing in infrastructure improvements, enhancing communication strategies, and developing backup plans to manage potential future outages effectively.


Effective energy management hinges on thorough planning and foresight.


DORELCO and NGCP must work together to understand the causes of these outages and explore viable remedies.


Consumers are seeking actionable commitments from both parties to instigate meaningful change.


With public scrutiny of DORELCO and NGCP rising, there is hope for this situation to act as a turning point towards improvement in power supply services.


This is not just a request for better operations; it's a demand for responsible and responsive service.


The future of power supply depends on the concerted efforts of everyone involved.

#WeTakeAStand #OpinYon #OpinYonNews #DORELCO #NGCP #PowerSupply


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