While politicians and various sectors in Metro Manila are trading barbs over the high power rates,
In 2007, the company sold 1.331 billion kilowatt-hours to 247,341 customers with a peak demand of 245 megawatts (MW). And while these experts and politicians were trying to go deeper into the so-called systems losses, our power utility here is surprisingly registering systems loss below what the government allows. Based on the data obtained from the company, its systems loss was at 8.8 percent, way below the 9.5% percent that government allows.
Systems loss is defined as energy loss due to technical problems and to pilferage. Under the law, a power utility whose systems loss goes beyond 9.5% is restricted to pass it on to consumers.
Davao Light maintains a 54.7 MW standby diesel power plant, operated as needed to stabilize voltage as well as augment the power supply of its primary generating sources. It makes use of a fully functional automated mapping and facilities management (AM/FM) system to track the location of electric distribution assets in its 3,561 square kilometer franchise. Also in place is a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, a facility that allows remote real-time data gathering and control of equipment in all power substations.
High-end computers, sophisticated software, and other devices are being used to speed up meter reading, streamline billing, provide efficient and prompt response to customer inquiries, generate management information, and analyze electrical grid information.
In anticipation for the increase in demand of power within its service areas, the company has also signed with sister company Hedcor Inc. an agreement that will allow it to buy power produced from the power plants of the latter in Sibulan, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur
and those that it will build in Suawan, Tamugan and Panigan in the hinterland of the city.
And until late last month, the main man behind the company was a young and energetic executive known for his humility and candidness. Luis Alfonso Y. Aboitiz, known to friends as “AL” who at the time of his death was at the helm of the company’s operations .
In the past when the power firm would petitioned for increases; Al would do the explaining himself instead of turning over the responsibility to his subordinates. Armed with his power point presentation, Al would patiently discuss the issues on hand to the business sector and leaders of progressive organizations. He would answer every question even those irrelevant ones.
Under his leadership, the company was also known as among the leaders in corporate social responsibility work, having done so many community-related activities from education, health and enterprise development for the people within its service area.
But one achievement that Al was always proud of is the city’s emergency system which is the Central 911 which was patterned after the
The project was conceptualized in collaboration with Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte using the Electronic Computer Aided Dispatch system of the power utility in responding to distress calls. Today, 911 is
His untimely death not only meant a lot to his family and his company but also to the city which has benefited from his leadership. This maybe late but this column extends its condolences to the family that Al left behind. He will be remembered well by all Dabawenyos.
(Joji Ilagan Bian is a strong and respected advocate for the development of the region. She is Chair of Joji Ilagan Foundation ( www.jojiilagancareercenter.com) ; President , Phil. Call Centers Alliance and Mindanao Tech Voc Schools Association; Mindanao Rep, Export Development Council. Email comments jojibian2@yahoo.com)
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