CEBU CITY, Nov. 27 (PNA) — The Visayan Electric Company (Veco) said it would pass on to consumers the cost of implementing the first phase of its underground distribution system amounting to P78 million.
“This is applied to all franchise areas of Veco in Cebu,” said Maria Theresa Sederiosa, Veco reputation management department head.
The Phase 1 of the project transferred beneath the ground the overhead power lines from the stretch from the Cebu Provincial Capitol to the Fuente Osmeña Circle in Cebu City.
But Sederiosa said the charges won’t take effect until after approval of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).
The ERC is the regulating body that determines when charges are imposed and how much they would cost, Sederiosa said.
She assured a possible increase in the electricity bill will be minimal because ERC will also consider the welfare of customers.
But Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama expressed disagreement to Veco’s move.
“They should not do that. They have a lot of profit already,” Rama said. (PNA)