PARE Calls for Electric Cooperatives to Focus on Service, Not Politics

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With the 2025 Midterm Elections fast approaching, concerns are mounting over the involvement of electric cooperatives in political endorsements. The advocacy group Partners for Affordable and Reliable Energy (PARE) has issued a strong statement urging electric cooperatives and their board of directors to remain politically neutral and focus on their core duty: delivering affordable and reliable electricity to consumers.

Electric Cooperatives and Political Endorsements

PARE has observed that some electric cooperatives have been posting content that seemingly promotes certain candidates or party lists. Additionally, political figures’ presence at general assemblies and member-consumer-owners (MCO) gatherings has raised alarms. These events, according to PARE, should strictly be venues for discussing power rates and energy-related concerns—not platforms for political campaigns.

"When leaders of electric cooperatives use their influence for political endorsements, it diverts their attention from pressing energy concerns," PARE stated. "Consumers are left with higher rates, unreliable service, and mismanaged resources."

The Call for Neutrality and Consumer-Centric Governance

PARE emphasizes that electric cooperatives exist to serve the public, not politicians. Their primary responsibility is ensuring least-cost power and improving service quality, rather than engaging in electoral politics. The advocacy group warns that failure to maintain neutrality could result in poor energy management, increased electricity rates, and diminished public trust in these cooperatives.

To address these issues, PARE calls on electric cooperative officials to:

Cease any form of political endorsements—direct or indirect

Ensure transparency in service operations

Refocus on improving energy infrastructure and affordability

Conduct assemblies purely for energy-related discussions

PARE’s Chief Advocate Officer, Nic Satur Jr., reinforced the group’s stance, stressing that EC officials must “uphold neutrality and focus on improving energy services, not politics.”

The Bigger Picture: Ensuring Reliable and Affordable Energy

Electric cooperatives play a vital role in ensuring energy security and accessibility, especially in rural areas. However, their effectiveness is undermined when political agendas interfere with decision-making and operations. With the upcoming elections, it is crucial for these cooperatives to remain committed to their mandate—serving the energy needs of Filipinos without political bias.

As watchdog groups like PARE continue to advocate for transparency and accountability, the public is encouraged to stay vigilant and demand consumer-centered leadership from their electric cooperatives.

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