President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed into law the franchise renewals of two major electric cooperatives (ECs), securing their authority to distribute electricity for the next 25 years.

Republic Act (RA) No. 12302 grants Aklan Electric Cooperative, Inc. (AKELCO) the franchise to serve 17 municipalities in Aklan; the towns of Pandan and Libertad in Antique; and Barangay Damayan in Sapian, Capiz.

RA No. 12303 authorizes Benguet Electric Cooperative (BENECO) to continue its operations in Baguio City and 13 municipalities in Benguet, including La Trinidad, Itogon, Tuba, and Mankayan.

The new laws, signed on September 12, 2025, will take effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.

In its official Facebook announcement, the Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association, Inc. (PHILRECA) welcomed the development, calling it a milestone for the country’s rural electrification efforts.

“We thank President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. for recognizing the significance of both ECs in their respective coverage areas,” said PHILRECA Executive Director and General Manager Atty. Janeene Depay-Colingan. “With new franchises, we can ensure a more energized performance and service excellence from AKELCO and BENECO, delivering the quality electricity that their member-consumer-owners (MCOs) deserve.”

PHILRECA also credited the support of the Power Bloc representatives Hon. Presley de Jesus (PhilRECA Partylist) and Hon. Sergio Dagooc (APEC Partylist), district representatives from the service areas, the National Electrification Administration (NEA), the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), the House of Representatives, and the Senate.

AKELCO and BENECO have both been recognized by the NEA as top-performing ECs for their financial transparency, single-digit feeder losses, and electrification initiatives benefiting marginalized households.

What’s your take on the franchise renewals for AKELCO and BENECO? How do you see this shaping power distribution in their service areas?

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