TUBA, Benguet: The National Power Corp. (NPC) has opened for bidding the proposed construction of a 1-megawatt (MW) solar power farm in Barangay Tabaan Sur here.
The Benguet Electric Cooperative (Beneco) has received a grant from the European Union to put up a solar farm in the province.
Beneco general manager Engr. Melchor Licoben said that the solar farm will be constructed within a 1.5-hectare property which is part of a 7-hectare property purchased by the electric cooperative for the implementation of its renewable energy project.
Licoben pointed out that the ongoing renewable energy projects of the electric cooperative in partnership with local and foreign companies are geared towards keeping its power rates affordable while contributing in efforts to maximize the potentials of available sources of renewable power.
At present, Beneco relies heavily on the power supply being provided by the Sual-based coal-fired power plant being operated by TEAM Energy Corp. with power rates now on an increasing trend because of the skyrocketing prices of coal in the world market.
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In 2017, Beneco consumers approved the amendments of its constitution and by laws to include power generation in its power distribution business that served as a basis for its active involvement in the construction of renewable energy plants, such as its proposed 1-MW solar power farm in Tabaan Sur and its already completed 3-MW mini hydro power plant in Man-asok, Sebang, Buguias.
Aside from working on the expansion of its solar power farm, Beneco is also eying the possible put up of additional mini hydro power plants in other parts of the province to significantly increase the supply of renewable energy for consumers to feel the benefits of these in their monthly power bills and for host communities to reap the advantages of hosting such environmentally-friendly projects.
Beneco is one of the few electric cooperatives in the country whose power rates are at par with private power distribution companies that have a much bigger market.
Source: https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/06/28/news/regions/npc-opens-bidding-for-solar-power-farm/1848952