Solar Philippines on Thursday accepted the challenge of electric cooperatives to prioritize remote and underserved locations, instead of tourist and high-growth areas in the rollout of its solar facilities for rural electrification.
The National Association of General Managers of Electric Cooperatives and Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association last week criticized Solar Philippines for allegedly rolling out solar systems selectively.
“We accept Nagmec’s challenge, so we hope they stop opposing attempts by the private sector to enter these poorly served areas, as we’ve already done in 12 towns. The towns’ requests for better electric service have been ignored for years. Yet now they’re being served by an alternative provider, certain co-ops would prefer these towns have no power at all,” Solar Philippines founder and president Leandro Leviste said.
Nagmec president Sergio Dagoog questioned Solar Philippines’ missionary electrification program and challenged them and other private entities “to not be choosy and instead prioritize remote, underserved locations.”