The Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative (Zamcelco) has temporarily halted its disconnection activities to ease the burden on its member-consumers during the ongoing fuel crisis. This move aligns with a directive from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) suspending power disconnection nationwide.
ERC Advisory Implementation
Lawyer Liezel Lacastesantos, head of Zamcelco’s Institutional Services Department, confirmed on Friday, May 22, 2026, that the cooperative is implementing the ERC advisory. “The ERC issues an advisory ordering electric distribution utilities, such as Zamcelco, to suspend the disconnection activities,” she stated. The suspension covers electric bills for May to July 2026 for both residential and non-residential consumers.
Impact of the Fuel Crisis
The suspension aims to assist consumers facing continuous increases in petroleum product prices triggered by the Middle East crisis. Typically, Zamcelco disconnects power lines of members who fail to pay their bills two days after the due date. Despite the suspension, Lacastesantos urged consumers to pay their bills on time.
Zamcelco serves approximately 130,000 member-consumers across 90 of Zamboanga City’s 98 villages. The remaining villages are serviced by the Zamboanga del Sur Electric Cooperative.
Linemen Training Program
In a related development, 30 new Zamcelco linemen are undergoing a 42-day Electric Power Distribution Line Construction Training, which began on Monday, May 18. The program aims to strengthen technical competencies and safety practices in line construction and maintenance operations.
Lacastesantos explained that the training enhances participants’ knowledge and practical skills in proper line construction procedures, equipment handling, troubleshooting, and adherence to industry safety standards. “The training also includes hands-on activities designed to improve the readiness and capability of the linemen in responding to field operational challenges,” she added.
