DELINQUENT PAYMENTS. A NORECO II post on social media with regard to its scheduled disconnection advisories in its service areas. The Energy Regulatory Commission on Sept. 2, 2022, ordered the electric cooperative in Negros Oriental to stop in its collection of 10-percent interest rate for delayed payment of bills. (Infographic from NORECO II's Facebook page) DUMAGUETE CITY - The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has ordered the Negros Oriental II Electric Cooperative (NORECO II) to immediately stop imposing and collecting a 10 percent interest for delinquent bill payments. The ERC order, dated Sept. 2, 2022 and signed by Commissioner Floresinda Baldo-Digal, noted that the electric cooperative "has been imposing penalty charges for non-payment of electricity bills at the rate of 10 percent interest rate". It said NORECO II had violated Section 23 of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) Law. While Sec. 23 "allows distribution utilities to impose and collect
The path of Severe Tropical Storm "Rai". (PAGASA infographic) DUMAGUETE CITY - The Negros Oriental Electric Cooperative II (NORECO II) on Tuesday advised its customers to prepare for Severe Tropical Storm Rai that will be named "Odette" once inside the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR), as the weather forecast shows Negros Oriental is right in its path. In a media release, Sharon Araula, NORECO II information officer, said "because the distribution lines are overhead and exposed to the elements of nature, strong wind and torrential rain can cause power outages in our coverage area". She urged the people to have backup power such as generator if possible, prepare emergency lights and flashlights, charge mobile phones and stock up on food and water. Araula said NORECO II would not conduct any power restoration at the height of the storm as a safety precaution. Residents were also asked to unplug appliances and switch off main breakers in the event of a