CLPC now PH distribution code compliant, assures reliable power supply, quality services

COTABATO CITY
– Power consumers in Cotabato City and nearby municipalities are assured of
ample and reliable power supply with quality services after Cotabato Light and
Power Company (CLPC) successfully passed the Philippine Distribution Code
Compliance Assessment recently conducted by the Distribution Management
Committee (DMC), officials said today.

(The positive assessment) assures reliable and quality
power supply, ensures safety of consumers, pedestrians and utility personnel
involved in its daily operation, Engineering Manager Mark Sam Banluta said in
a statement.

Celia S. Lim, a power consumer in Cotabato City,
have noticed the improvement.

Payment is efficient and fast at Cotabato Light
business office, Lim, who regularly pays her bill at CLPC business office,
said in Filipino. Our area has not experienced frequent brownout in recent
months, especially during the Christmas holidays where power demand was up.

Besides, she said, notice of scheduled power interruptions
are posted on its social media sites as well as mainstream media so we are all
informed ahead and make some adjustments at home when power is gone.

Anna Lea Lee Nataño, CLPC reputation enhancement
head, said the Philippine Distribution Code (PDC) sets the fundamental rules
and procedures concerning operation, maintenance, development, connection, and
the use of the electric distribution systems in the country.

She added that
DMC’s evaluation focused primarily on the first and second priority standards
with regard to distribution system operations, customer service performance,
emergency and safety procedures, and technical reports of CLPC, also known as
Cotabato Light.

This
recognition further shows AboitizPower's and CLPC's commitment to continuously
improve and to explore better ways in providing quality service to our
customers and stakeholders, Rodger S. Velasco, CLPC Senior Vice President
and Chief Operating Officer, said.

Compliance of PDC’s provisions is mandatory to all distribution utilities in the
Philippines.

Engr. Banluta
received the award on behalf of the Aboitiz-owned distribution utility in ceremonies held last month at the Richmonde Hotel, Ortigas Center, Pasig City.

Banluta said
the award simply means that Cotabato Light have designed mechanism and
implemented safety measures to ensure its human resources are efficient and
safe in performing highly risky electrical works.

He said consumers
are assured of reliable and quality power supply, uninterrupted services except
matters that are beyond its control. CLCP distributes power supplied through
the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP).

Arlene
Valdez-Hepiga, CLPC reputation enhancement specialist, said CLPC also
implemented several innovations for consumers’ convenience, including linking
with Bayad Centers, improved billing and collection system, among others.

Nataño said
the recognition means efficient business processes and effective documentation
of pertinent papers crucial to business operations.

Yes, we are
now part of the few electric distribution utilities in the Philippines
compliant to the requirements of PDC. We can proudly say that we are now at par
with the big distribution utilities like Davao Light and Visayas Electric
Company, Nataño said.CLCP distributes electricity to consumers in Cotabato City and the towns of Sultan Kudarat and Datu Odin Sinsuat in Maguindanao.