Abra Electric Co-op spends P189M for 5-year tech services

By Maria Teresa B. Benas

Monday 30th of July 2012

BANGUED, Abra, July 30 (PIA) -- The Abra Electric Cooperative (Abreco) has spent a total of P189,211,736.26 for technical services for the past five years specifically for system loss reduction, improved power quality, upgraded distribution system, and effected a more reliable and efficient system.

General Manager Loreto P. Seares Jr. said the funds spent on technical services from 2008 to the current year were the funds generated by Abreco.

He said the Abreco Engineering Department used P189 million on overhead distribution line, which included the rehabilitation of distribution line such as the reconducting by replacing undersized conductors and conversion of bare wires to insulated wires; and rehabilitation of damaged distribution line caused by typhoons; and refurbishment of old and dilapidated wood poles.

The long single phase line was converted into a three-phase line thereby extending the primary lines to relieve this from the over-extended secondary lines.

Installation of protective devices and isolation switches such as circuit recloser, by-pass switches, fuse-cutouts, and automatic voltage regulators (AVR) were also done, including clearing of rights-of-way to minimize systems loss, he added.

Seares explained that accidents often occurred due to overloaded transformers and Abreco was left with no choice but to either install new distribution transformers or replace those that are already overloaded in order to split and balance the loads.

Systems loss is further mitigated by conducting an effective metering, he pointed out. This was carried out through massive inspection, modification, and calibration of defective meters to avoid pilferage, provision of Kv2c meter for big loads, installation of primary and secondary metering, and resealing of meters.

He said the sub-transmission from the town of Bangued to Dolores is under construction to further upgrade the power distribution system of Abreco.

Members of the general assembly have ratified the amendments to the by-laws on July 21.

In addition, to the ratification of some pertinent provisions of the by-laws, they also elected the members of the Election Committee and the Audit and Inventory Committee. Elected members were Sarah Jane I. Valencia of Penarrubia and Isidro Vasquez and Julius Baliubar, both of Bangued.

The Audit and Inventory Committee is composed of Karen Z. Beleno of Bangued, Nestor Barbieto of Tayum, and Rosario Valera of Bucay.

The election of a board member for Bangued will be on August 25. (JDP/MTBB-PIA CAR, Abra)

gued will be conducted on August 25, 2012. (JDP/MTBB-PIA CAR, Abra)