Batangas II Electric Cooperative
_Seal.png) Seal | |
| Type | Electric cooperative |
|---|---|
| Industry | Electric power distribution |
| Headquarters | Batangas, Philippines |
Area served | Eastern Batangas (2 cities, 15 municipalities) |
Batangas II Electric Cooperative, Inc., commonly known as BATELEC II, is an electric cooperative that distributes power to the province of Batangas in the Philippines. It serves the eastern part of the province, covering two cities and 15 municipalities. As of 2019, it was considered the largest electric cooperative under the supervision of the National Electrification Administration (NEA).
Service area
The cooperative holds an exclusive franchise to distribute electricity to specific areas in Batangas.[1] Its service area includes the cities of Lipa and Tanauan. It also serves the municipalities of Alitagtag, Balete, Cuenca, Laurel, Lobo, Malvar, Mataasnakahoy, Mabini, Padre Garcia, Rosario, San Jose, San Juan, Talisay, Taysan, and Tingloy.[2]
History and operations
Infrastructure and supply
In December 2011, BATELEC II formed a consortium with Meralco and First Bay Power Corp to acquire sub-transmission assets from the National Transmission Corporation (Transco). This acquisition included assets that allowed the group to manage the operation and maintenance of the grid lines.[3] By 2019, the cooperative had a peak demand of 132 megawatts (MW). That same year, BATELEC II signed a supply agreement with Aboitiz Power to source 3 MW of renewable energy from the Tiwi-Makban geothermal plant.[4]
In March 2025, Wyn Power Corp. began construction of a solar farm in Batangas intended to connect to the BATELEC II grid. This 50-megawatt project was designed to supply clean energy to industries and consumers in the cooperative's area.[5]
Legal and financial issues
In 2011, the Regional Trial Court ordered the Lipa City government to pay PHP 20 million in unpaid electricity bills to BATELEC II. The court warned that power to city-owned properties would be cut if the debt was not settled.[6]
In January 2017, the Supreme Court of the Philippines ruled in favor of eight former BATELEC II directors. The court found that former Justice Secretary Agnes Devanadera had abused her power by indicting them for syndicated estafa regarding contracts for computerization and trucks. The Supreme Court stated the contracts were made in good faith.[7]
Service issues and modernization
Consumer complaints
In November 2018, the Batangas Forum for Good Governance and Development Association launched a "Power Watch Movement" due to dissatisfaction with the cooperative's service. A survey at the time claimed 71% of consumers were unhappy with the service. Senate President Tito Sotto stated he would investigate the cooperative's 50-year franchise and alleged financial losses.[1]
By late 2023, residents and business owners in municipalities like Taysan and Lobo reported frequent power outages. Local councilors filed resolutions complaining about outdated infrastructure.[8] In November 2025, a survey by Capstone-Intel involving 1,200 residents reported that 93% of BATELEC II consumers experienced multiple outages per month.[9]
Joint venture proposals
In 2024 and 2025, proposals were made to form a joint venture to improve the cooperative's services.[10] Meralco submitted a proposal to inject capital and technical expertise into BATELEC II to address brownouts and modernize facilities.[9] Meralco stated the plan was to form a partnership rather than a full takeover, intending to empower the cooperative.[11]
In July 2025, Prime Electric Holdings Inc., led by Enrique Razon, also expressed interest in a partnership with BATELEC II. Under the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA), cooperatives can convert into stock corporations to accept outside investment.[12]
By November 2025, the Batangas Forum endorsed the proposed joint venture between Meralco and BATELEC II.[13][14] Local mayors from the League of Municipalities of the Philippines-Batangas Chapter also expressed support for a partnership to improve the power supply for local industries and tourism.[15]
References
- 1 2 Ganzon-Ozaeta, Tina (November 30, 2018). "Sotto vows probe into Batangas Electric Cooperative funds". Rappler.
- ↑ Arceo-Dumlao, Tina (November 10, 2025). "BIZ BUZZ: Meralco expansion to Batangas pushed". Philippine Daily Inquirer.
- ↑ Remo, Amy R. (December 13, 2011). "Meralco buying P523M worth of Transco assets". Philippine Daily Inquirer.
- ↑ Domingo, Ronnel W. (December 31, 2019). "Batangas power-co-op taps Aboitiz Power for supply". Philippine Daily Inquirer.
- ↑ Esmael, Lisbet K. (March 6, 2025). "Construction of P1.5-B Batangas solar project begins". Philippine Daily Inquirer.
- ↑ Balinton, Jerome (December 26, 2011). "Lipa ordered to pay debt to power co-op". Philippine Daily Inquirer.
- ↑ Cabacungan, Gil C. (January 12, 2017). "Devanadera loses case vs Batangas electric co-op". Philippine Daily Inquirer.
- ↑ "Residents seek better service from Batelec II". Manila Bulletin. December 19, 2023.
- 1 2 Velasco, Myrna M. (November 8, 2025). "Meralco's billion bid to end Batangas' decades of darkness". Manila Bulletin.
- ↑ Go, Marianne (December 11, 2024). "Meralco eyes JV with electric coop". The Philippine Star.
- ↑ "Meralco backs Batangas' rise as southern economic hub". Daily Tribune. October 8, 2025.
- ↑ Galang, Gabriell Christel (July 29, 2025). "Razon's Prime Electric challenges Meralco for Batelec II partnership". Manila Bulletin.
- ↑ Monasterial, Amelia Clarissa de Luna (November 2, 2025). "Batangas leaders back Meralco-BATELEC II joint venture". Daily Tribune.
- ↑ "Batangas group backs Meralco-BATELEC II deal". Daily Tribune. November 3, 2025.
- ↑ Lelis, Brix (June 29, 2024). "Meralco-Batelec JV gains traction". The Philippine Star.