Baguio City: The Benguet Electric Cooperative (Beneco) has introduced an online application designed to offer member-consumer-owners (MCOs) easier access to its services. "Dito sa app na ito, mai-empower ang ating MCOs para sa information and communication kasi meron siyang widget na puwedeng ma-message kaagad ang hotline," stated Paul Donaal, head of Beneco's Management Information and Communications System (MICS) office, during the launch of the "Beneco Mo Ito" (BMI) online app.

According to Philippines News Agency, the app allows consumers to make payments for current bills, arrears, surcharges, reconnection fees, and capital share contributions through Beneco's partnership with Dragonpay. Additionally, the cooperative is in discussions with other online payment services such as GCash and Maya, as well as various banks, to expand payment options.

The application also acts as an information hub, providing users with updates on billings, outage notifications, news, and advisories. It even allows direct communication with the cooperative. "There will be personnel dedicated to answer queries through chat, different from those who answer phone calls," Donaal explained, highlighting the app's role in improving customer service.

Users can track their account ledgers and transaction histories for the past 12 months, enhancing transparency and convenience. "I am sure, the application will be useful to the MCOs because we are now on digital age," Donaal expressed, emphasizing the necessity of adapting to technological advances.

Beneco, the exclusive electric distributor for Baguio City and Benguet, supports over 250,000 meter connections and approximately 150,000 MCOs. The app is currently available for free download on Google Play for Android devices, with an iPhone version in development. The application underwent a rigorous approval process with Google Play before becoming publicly accessible.