Ilocos norte: The Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative (INEC) has announced the implementation of an amnesty program aimed at curbing electricity theft and reducing system loss charges that are currently being passed on to consumers. INEC General Manager Cipriano Martinez highlighted that system loss, which refers to unbilled electricity lost during transmission and distribution or due to pilferage, is costing member-consumer-owners (MCOs) approximately PHP10 million monthly.

According to Philippines News Agency, Martinez identified defective, anomalous, and non-functional meters as probable causes of the high system loss rate. He urged MCOs to assist in identifying these issues, asking them to report any known defective meters or suspected individuals contributing to system loss to INEC management or their respective board of directors representative.

Martinez provided contact details for reporting, encouraging MCOs to text the owner's name and location of the reported meter or suspected individuals to the Office of the General Manager at 09778851992 or 09777567451, or to email [email protected]. He emphasized the importance of cooperation to address this serious anomaly, highlighting the benefit to the 190,000 MCOs in Ilocos Norte.

The amnesty program, designed to promote transparency and cooperation, is valid until December 31, 2025. Beyond this date, any violators of the Anti-Pilferage Act under Republic Act 7832 will face appropriate consequences. In the meantime, at least 11 INEC meter readers and employees have been preventively suspended while investigations into alleged system loss irregularities are conducted.