Electric cooperatives are aiming to improve electricity bill collection from government facilities, as the Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association, Inc. (PHILRECA) moves to address long-standing unpaid accounts linked to military camps and offices.

PHILRECA recently coordinated with the Philippine Army to improve billing accuracy and payment processes for facilities located within electric cooperative (EC) franchise areas. 

PHILRECA said it is now pushing for standardized billing protocols and record reconciliation to reduce delays, particularly with government agencies, with the association setting the goal of 100% collection efficiency for ECs starting in 2026.

The effort was discussed during a coordination meeting held on February 3, 2026, where PHILRECA Executive Director and General Manager Atty. Janeene Depay-Colingan, together with the association’s Resource Center Office, outlined strategies to streamline payment processes.

Philippine Army representatives, which included personnel of installation management and engineering units, along with accounting and human resource personnel, shared operational insights related to camp facilities that affect how electricity consumption and billing are managed.

PHILRECA is also working with Power Bloc representatives in the Senate from APEC Party-list and PhilRECA Party-list to seek legislative support aimed at the settlement of unpaid electricity debts owed by government agencies.

Unpaid electrical balances have long been operational challenges for ECs, especially in rural areas where cooperatives rely heavily on timely collections to consistently fund system maintenance as well as everyday operations.

The association said improving collection from government facilities could help strengthen the financial position of ECs, which will allow them to better sustain operations and deliver reliable power services to their other consumers.

Should stronger enforcement of payment coordination among government agencies be prioritized to protect the financial stability of electric cooperatives?

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