The National Electrification Administration (NEA) is partnering with the National Engineering Center of the University of the Philippines (UP-NEC) to strengthen the capabilities of electric cooperatives (ECs) by offering competency training and certification programs.

In a report by the Manila Bulletin, the deal was secured in a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between UP Chancellor Edgardo Carlo Vistan II and NEA Administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda.

The agency said that this collaboration would allow ECs to build up their technical capability and financial viability, in addition to warming up ECs for competition and operation in a deregulated electricity market. 

Furthermore, the training and certification would give the board of directors, engineers, managers, and human resource development teams the chance to take part in the capacity enhancement activities. 

Regarding financial operations, the ECs could profit from increased capability in distribution utility capital expenditures (CAPEX) and operational expenses (OPEX), along with additional matters on rate-making and tariff setting. 

Furthermore, ECs would be armored with training on power supply planning, procurement, contracting, and aggregation of targeted capacity purchases. There would also be added information in the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) and Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA) policy.

As specified in the agreement, ECs will get information on planning, designing, and analyzing distribution systems to ensure compliance with the Philippine Grid and Distribution Codes. Talks on the automation, dependability, and effectiveness of distribution system operations, as well as maintenance and upkeep, will also be covered.