Electricity sales of the electric cooperatives (ECs) in the country grew by 2 percent in 2020 compared to the previous year.
This is according to the data gathered by the National Electrification Administration (NEA), through its Information Technology and Communication Services Department (ITCSD). Data showed the ECs’ total electricity sales stood at 23,622 GWh last year as opposed to 23,127 GWh in 2019.
The NEA data also showed that the fourth-quarter revenues of the electric co-ops inched up by 1 percent to P53.356 billion from P52.831 billion in the same period in 2019.
On a quarter-to-quarter basis, the ECs recorded a 3-percent increase in the first quarter compared with the same period in 2019. However, energy sales for the second quarter showed a 4-percent decline from 2019 due to the imposition of community quarantines to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the country.
Power sales in the third quarter and fourth quarter of 2020 improved by 3 percent and 7 percent, respectively, following the easing of quarantine restrictions.
In terms of revenues, the ECs registered a 4-percent decline last year to P211.457 billion from P221.359 billion in 2019. The 4-percent dip in total revenues of the ECs was due to measures implemented by the power utilities, such as extending the ‘grace periods’ for bill payments.
Power sales in the third quarter and fourth quarter of 2020 improved by 3 percent and 7 percent, respectively, following the easing of quarantine restrictions.
The ECs, as directed by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), implemented payment extensions to electricity consumers to lessen the burden brought about by the pandemic.
Revenues dropped by 2 percent in the first quarter of 2020 due to the eruption of Taal Volcano and disruption of economic activities caused by COVID-19. The ECs suffered a double-digit decline (12 percent) in revenues during the second quarter; and 4-percent drop during the third quarter of 2020 compared to 2019.
The NEA data also showed that the fourth-quarter revenues of the electric co-ops inched up by 1 percent to P53.356 billion from P52.831 billion in the same period in 2019.