Direct tapping blamed for Upper Pulangi village’s P800T electric bill

MALAYBALAY CITY (BukidnonNews.Net) An inspection showed that direct tapping is behind the more than P800,000 electric bill of Brgy. St. Peter, in this city's Upper Pulangi district, an official of Bukidnon Second Electric Cooperative said.  

Ms. Christie Escaro, Branch Manager of BUSECO Malaybalay, told the Malaybalay Sangguniang Panlungsod that there was “direct tapping” with the barangay’s electric connection that’s why the high charge in the barangay’s electric bill from November 2022 to January 2023.

The city council called Buseco and Brgy. St. Peter representatives to the regular session on January 31.

City Councilor and chair of the Committee on Public Utilities Engr. Melchor Maramara said the bill “was too much” for their monthly consumption.

Direct tapping happens when a consumer taps into a power line from a point ahead of the energy meter.

St. Peter Barangay Kagawad Domingo Hingpit said another barangay office has connected in the main power line of the barangay.  He appealed to the city government for help ”because they are not capable of paying such amount.”

Ms. Escaro said they have already agreed with barangay officials to start payment in 2024.

Councilor Maramara said he will call for a committee hearing to resolve the problem.  (Contributed to BukidnonNews.Net by Mark Micabalo)

IN PHOTO: Facade of the Brgy. St. Peter, (Malaybalay City) Administration Building/Courtesy of Brgy. St. Peter FB Account