Promotion Of Rural Electrification

Section 57. Conversion of Electric Cooperatives

Electric cooperatives are hereby given the option to convert into either stock cooperative under the Cooperatives Development Act or stock corporation under the Corporation Code. Nothing contained in this Act shall deprive electric cooperatives of any privilege or right granted to them under Presidential Decree No. 269, as amended, and other existing laws.

Section 58. Additional Mandate of the National Electrification Administration (NEA)

NEA shall develop and implement programs:

• a) To prepare electric cooperatives in operating and competing under the deregulated electric market within five (5) years from the effectivity of this Act, specifically in an environment of open access and retail wheeling
• b) To strengthen the technical capability and financial viability of rural electric cooperatives; and(c) To review and upgrade regulatory policies with a view to enhancing the viability of rural electric cooperatives as electric utilities.

NEA shall continue to be under the supervision of the DOE and shall exercise its functions under Presidential Decree No. 269, as amended by Presidential Decree No. 1645 insofar as they are consistent with this Act.

Section 59. Alternative Electric Service for Isolated Villages

The provision of electric service in remote and unviable villages that the franchised utility is unable to service for any reason shall be opened to other qualified third parties.

Section 60. Debts of Electric Cooperatives

Upon the effectivity of this Act, all outstanding financial obligations of electric cooperatives to NEA and other government agencies incurred for the purpose of financing the rural electrification program shall be assumed by PSALM in accordance with the program approved by the President of the Philippines within one (1) year from the effectivity of this Act which shall be implemented and completed within three (3) years from the effectivity of this Act.

The ERC shall ensure a reduction in the rates of electric cooperatives commensurate with the resulting savings due to the removal of the amortization payments of their loans.

Within 5 years from the condonation of debt, any electric cooperative which shall transfer ownership or control of its assets, franchise or operations thereof shall repay PSALM Corp. the total debts including accrued interests thereon.