Valencia Mayor Rodolfo Gonzales complained against what he described as "very poor" services of the Negros Oriental Electric Cooperative 2 especially in the geothermal-based barangays of Puhagan, Caidiocan, and Malaunay in the town.

Earlier, Gonzales had also lambasted the power firm for its inaction on complaints of the residents.

NORECO 2 general manager Ephraim Taclob had suggested a re-routing of electrical lines in the geothermal barangays of Valencia to minimize power interruption.

Gonzales, however, said power interruptions last for at least three days before NORECO 2 can address the problem. A resident said they still experience low voltage, especially at night.

Recently, NORECO 2 personnel met with the barangay captains of the affected barangays on the issue.

Taclob said the problem usually occurs because the electrical lines are crossing the countrysides and are not along the road.

He said the re-routing will cost about P11 million, and he suggested that the three barangays will shoulder 70 percent of the expenses, and the rest will be answered by NORECO. Taclob said the barangays have a budget for electrification . During the meeting, barangay captains also asked for more time to discuss the matter with their councils.*MA

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