THE Department of Energy (DOE) installed 2,300 solar power facilities in households of indigenous peoples (IPs) in 15 remote barangays in Bayawan City, Negros Oriental.
The off-grid hinterland barangays in Bayawan under the coverage of Negros Oriental Electric Cooperative II (Noreco) is scheduled to be energized by solar power by end of this month.
DOE-Visayas coordinator of the Household Electrification Program (HEP) Lou Arciaga said this activity is considered a highlight in the implementation of the HEP as most of the beneficiaries include the IP groups and rebel returnees in the area.
Noreco 2 Engr. Ruel Badon said they are now installing more solar home systems around the province including the towns of Siaton, Sta. Catalina and Bayawan City.
Badon said the installation of the solar system units is free and there are no power bills to pay, but consumers still pay a monthly flat rate fee to cover the maintenance costs.