The National Electrification Administration (NEA) has created a new task force to curb widespread electricity theft and enforce reforms in the Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative, Inc. (ZAMCELCO), which has been struggling with heavy system losses and operational inefficiencies.

The move was announced by NEA Administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda during a consultative meeting with stakeholders as well as city officials headed by Mayor Khymer Adan Olaso last Aug 15, Friday.

The task force will be led by Engr. Jerry Morastil, general manager of the Davao del Sur Electric Cooperative, Inc. (DASURECO). He will be joined by Engr. Emmanuel Galarse of Agusan del Sur Electric Cooperative, Inc. (ASELCO) and Virgilio “Jomoy” Fortich, Jr. of Cebu III Electric Cooperative, Inc. (CEBECO 3).

Among their first assignments is curbing widespread electricity pilferage, which has significantly weakened ZAMCELCO’s operations. Records show the utility has around 170,000 active connections but only 133,000 are billed. This leaves more than a fifth of consumers not paying for their usage.

Almeda directed the immediate installation of electric meters in affected areas to improve accountability and boost collection efficiency. He also urged barangay leaders to actively cooperate with the task force.

“I do believe that no family would like to keep consuming electricity illegally,” he said, acknowledging that financial hardships may be a reason for the theft.

The NEA chief gave the task force six months to implement reforms and promised close oversight of their progress.

“I am not giving up on ZAMCELCO,” Almeda emphasized. “I will keep coming back to Zamboanga City to monitor the development of our reforms because I know we have the support of the city hall.”

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