BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya (PIA) -- The National Electrification Administration (NEA)  gave its assurance that Novo Vizcayanos will be the priority for the power supply to be generated once the Matuno Hydropower project in  Bambang town starts operating. 

NEA Administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda and Gov. Jose Gambito, in a meeting recently, discussed the mutual benefit of the province of Nueva Vizcaya and the project operator from the mini hydropower plant established by the Taft Hydro Corporation, aprivate power generating company. 

“Administrator Almeda assured us that he will intervene regarding our concern that we will be prioritized with the power supply from the power generating facility that is being established in our province,” Gambito said.

Gambito said the province will be a priority for the distribution of enough power supply. 

He also said a lower power rate is expected compared to the prevailing prices of major power industry stakeholders as the facility is located near the community. 

 “We are determined to ensure that the people of Nueva Vizcaya benefit directly from the Maruno hydropower project.  Our communities must enjoy the power generated from our land, and at more affordable rates,” the Governor said.

The hydropower project located in Barangay Manamtam is expected to commence operation within the first quarter of this year. 

Earlier, Gambito asked NEA to support their agreement with the project operators that the power to be generated from it will be distributed in the province.

He made the appeal following reports that the generated power supply from the hydropower plant would be distributed to other grids.

Gambito said an agreement was earlier forged between the provincial government and the Taft Hydro Corporation, the project proponent, for the establishment of the Matuno Hydropower project during the previous session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. (OTB/BME/PIA NVizcaya)