The Central Negros Electric Cooperative is setting up a hotline where people can report through text messages anyone involved in electric pilferage, its general manager, Sulpicio Lagarde, said yesterday.

Lagarde said they will assign a permanent operator to receive the text messages so CENECO can dispatch personnel to check on them.

Once the report is verified, CENECO will give a P300 free load to the informant as a reward, he also said.

The present system of reporting electricity pilferage is not conducive for informants as they need to identify themselves before they get their rewards.

Based on the assessment of CENECO, electric pilferage comprises seven percent of the total system loss incurred by the power utility in 2012.

Other causes of system loss are loose connections and destroyed electric lines, Lagarde said.

Once the text hotline has been activated, they will encourage the public to report individuals who are in the illegal activity.*APN

Meanwhile, CENECO is energizing more rural and remote areas in Bacolod City and other cities and municipalities within its coverage area in line with the national government’s Sitio Electrification Program, Arnel Lapore, CENECO president said.

As of June 2013, CENECO has energized a total of 13 sitios which include Purok Cadena de Amor 1 and 2 in Brgy. Abua-nan, Bago City; Hda. Pilar Ectension and Sitio Louie, Brgy. Katilingban, Talisay; Purok Estewetis, Brgy. Bunga, Salvador Benedicto; and Sitios Overflow and Salazar, Brgy. Cansilayan, Murcia.

Lapore said they are also working out the energization of Purok Totong, Brgy. Felisa in Bacolod City, while that of Sitio Badyang, Brgy. Cabug is now on process.

The goal of the energization project is to provide light and power to all rural and remote areas in the country that do not have access to electricity yet, he said.

Lapore said Ceneco is the implementing arm of the SEP of the government and this is an opportunity for them to bring electricity to consumers, especially those who have not yet been energized.

The energization project is also in line with their slogan “Giving Light, Creating Opportunites,” which is the banner program of CENECO, he added.*CGS

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