THE topic of privatization of electric cooperatives has been growing in volume over the past year, particularly in the last couple of months. Davao Light and Power Co. has been in the process of absorbing the failing Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (Nordeco) since last year. Elsewhere in Mindanao, a fight has broken out over the effective privatization of the South Cotabato Electric Cooperative 2 (Socoteco 2), involving distribution giant Meralco, an upstart distribution utility (DU) backed by uber-oligarch Enrique Razon and opposing political factions within the co-op. Meralco is also involved in discussions (or heated arguments, as the case may be) along with other parties over stepping into the business of Batangas Electric Cooperative 2 (Batelec 2) and possibly its neighboring co-op, Batelec 1. More recently, what is arguably the country's worst co-op — although there are contenders for that dubious title — the Albay Electric Cooperative (Aleco), has also landed on the privatization radar.
Ben Kritz is a columnist at The Manila Times. He focuses on themes such as energy and mining, regional interest and world news, and culture and society, with particular expertise in energy policy and regulation, renewable energy, and nuclear energy. Ben's insights and analyses have been featured in MSN and The Manila Times.
