Ilocos norte: The Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative (INEC) has intensified its efforts to reduce system loss by strengthening power distribution management, curbing electricity theft, and upgrading its electrical infrastructure to improve service efficiency and reliability.

According to Philippines News Agency, INEC general manager Cipriano Martinez III outlined the ongoing operational reforms being undertaken by the cooperative in a letter addressed to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. following his 5th State of the Nation Address. Martinez highlighted that INEC has been implementing these reforms over the past three years to reduce system losses.

'We at INEC, hear you, Mr. President. As the electric cooperative of your home province, not only do we fully support your call for reforms. We would also like to report that INEC has been instituting operational reforms to address the system loss component in our electricity rates,' said Martinez in the letter dated July 29 and released to the media on Friday.

To address system loss, INEC has implemented measures such as regular line inspections, replacement of aging distribution facilities, installation of more accurate metering systems, and stricter monitoring of illegal power connections. These initiatives are intended to minimize technical and non-technical losses while ensuring that electricity is delivered more efficiently to consumers.

The cooperative also continues to educate consumers on the importance of reporting illegal connections and maintaining safe electrical installations. By working closely with local government units and law enforcement agencies, INEC said it seeks to prevent power pilferage, which contributes significantly to system losses and higher operating costs.

Through these reforms, Martinez reported that INEC was able to reduce the system loss component in the electricity rates of the province from 12 percent in 2023 to about 8 percent as of today. "While acknowledging the contribution to nation building of the EPIRA (Electric Power Industry Reform Act), perhaps due to changing times on both human behavior and advancements in technology, it is indeed time to revisit and attune the law,' said Martinez in response to the President's call for reforms to strengthen consumer protection in the power sector.