The Central Negros Electric Cooperative Inc. in Bacolod City launched yesterday a new program to help consumers inquiring about their billings and provide them with power interruption updates through the use of their cellphones.

CENECO president Arnel Lapore said the SMS program is an innovation to improve their services to consumers.

Lapore said text messaging is convenient and less expensive, so if there are questions about brownouts or billings, consumers can just send their inquiry through SMS or text messaging.

“With this program, we will be able to decongest our hotline in case of brownouts,” he said.

He also said that, with the SMS, it will be easy for them to accommodate queries from consumers because the system itself automatically responds to inquiries as to what area is affected by the brownout and what time will electricity be restored, and those inquiring about their bills will be able to make their payments in due time.

“Let us minimize the use of the phone by making calls but instead use the SMS in making inquiries through our numbers : Smart: 09199923416 or 09199923436; Sun: 09328726729, “ he said.

CENECO will soon activate its Globe number, Lapore also said.

To inquire about ones billing text: BILL(space) (account number). For inquires about brownouts text: BROWNOUT (space) (account number).

Meanwhile, Lapore said they expect the hearing on the technical aspect of their claims for over/under recoveries covering the period 2004-2011, to proceed early next year.

He said he has requested their legal counsel to file a manifestation with the Energy Regulatory Commission and request them to send their technical people to do their clarification and to answer questions regarding the technical aspect of under/over recoveries.

He assured consumers that they will not implement the P414 million under recoveries without the approval of the ERC.

Lapore said they are just proving that they are entitled to claim under recoveries. As to when and how much they are entitled to, that is another matter they are asking the ERC. *CGS

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