The Benguet Electric Cooperative (BENECO) is a non-stock, non-profit electric service provider located in the Cordillera Administrative Region, Northern Luzon, Philippines. Established on October 5, 1973, and officially granted a 50-year franchise by the National Electrification Commission on March 20, 1978, BENECO was tasked with delivering electric service to Baguio City and the province of Benguet.
Initially, only limited parts of the city had power, but by March 2012, BENECO successfully achieved 100% electrification at the barangay level. It currently operates in 13 Benguet towns and all 129 barangays of Baguio City, covering 269 barangays in total. As of December 31, 2023, BENECO has a record of ₱4.454 billion in assets, ₱4.248 billion gross revenue, 244 regular employees, 143,733 registered members, and 230,557 meter connections, earning it a spot in the country’s list of top cooperatives, at least in terms of asset size. To date, the cooperative is housed at #4 South Drive, Baguio City, a place designed as a “one-stop shop” for all member-consumer services.
BENECO Overview
BENECO’s formation consolidated and upgraded the fragmented local power systems in all the towns of Benguet and the barangays of Baguio, in an attempt to support the government’s rural electrification program and uplift the quality of life in underserved areas. Its primary objective is to provide affordable, sustainable, and efficient electric power while promoting economic and social development among its member-consumers.
Goals
The organization’s primary goals include:
- Delivering affordable, efficient, and reliable electric power
- Promoting inclusive economic and social development in rural areas
- Strengthening the government’s rural electrification initiative
- Improving the lives of low-income and marginalized members
- Promoting transparency and accountability among officials
Cooperative Powers and Legal Capacities
As an organization, BENECO was also granted several operational powers under Republic Act 9520, such as:
- The right to amend its Articles and By-laws
- The ability to acquire or sell property
- Access to local and foreign loans and grants
- Creation of subsidiary cooperatives and membership in federations
- The power of eminent domain for electrification projects
Scope of Services and Business Activities
As a cooperative, BENECO’s operations cover the provision of a wide range of services, going beyond electricity distribution:
- Electricity Distribution: The core service across Baguio City and Benguet.
- Power Generation: Through renewable sources such as mini-hydro power plants.
- Sub-transmission Operations: Management and operation of facilities linked to distribution.
- Other Ventures: Including broadband services, property rentals, and income-generating projects.
- Rural Electrification: Continuous support of government initiatives.
- Member Support: Programs aimed at improving the economic and social well-being of members.
Why Join BENECO?
Joining BENECO means more than accessing electricity. As a member, you also gain:
- Fair, affordable, and reliable power supply
- Access to programs that improve livelihood and community services
- Participation in a member-owned organization committed to community development
Who Can Join
Membership is open to:
- Property Owners:
- Must be the registered owner of the property applying for connection.
- Must have no outstanding obligations or surcharges with BENECO.
- Must complete the Application for Service Connection (ASC) and all technical requirements.
- Tenants/Building Occupants:
- Application must still be filed under the name of the registered property owner.
- A notarized authorization or SPA is required if applying on behalf of the owner.
- Residential/Commercial Applicants:
- Must provide a Certificate of Final Electrical Inspection (CFEI).
- Must submit a duly signed electrical plan/layout by a licensed Professional Electrical Engineer (PEE).
- Must show proof of residency (Barangay Clearance with complete address).
- Must provide a valid government-issued ID, photo of structure/metering setup, and a copy of the neighbor’s electric bill.
- Temporary Service Connection:
- Must secure a Permit for Temporary Service Connection (DPWH Form No. 96-005-E).
- Must agree not to use welding machines, unless a generator or transformer is provided.
- Valid for a limited number of days only and requires an extension or upgrade before expiration.
- New Members:
- Must attend the Pre-Membership Education Seminar (PMES).
- Must pay the membership fee (₱100) and ID fee (₱42).
- Must submit a 2″x2″ ID photo with name tag (for joint membership: husband and wife must both submit photos).
Requirements for Service Connection
To apply, aspiring BENECO members are expected to submit the following:
I. New or Temporary to Permanent Connection
- Final Electrical Inspection/Completion Certificate (DPWH Form 96-006-E)
- Filled out ASC form
- No outstanding dues to BENECO
- Metering certification from accredited electrical contractor
- Signed and sealed electrical plan/layout
- 3 copies of location sketch
- Barangay clearance with complete address
- Valid ID (photocopy)
- Copy of nearest neighbor’s electric bill
- Photo of structure and metering setup
- For new members:
- PMES attendance
- Membership fee and ID
- 2″x2″ ID pictures of applicant (for married couples, both husband and wife)
II. Additional Meter Connection
- All of the above plus:
- Full payment and copy of latest electric bill
III. Temporary Service Connection
- Permit for temporary service (DPWH Form 96-005-E)
- Signed and sealed blueprint of electrical plan
- Signed and sealed layout for temporary load
- 3 copies of location sketch
- Barangay clearance
- Valid ID
- Electric bill of neighbor
- Photo of structure and metering prep
- Promissory note (not to use welding machines unless own generator/transformer is provided)
- Payment of fees including energy deposit
- For new members:
- PMES attendance
- Membership fee
- ID pictures with name tags
How to Join BENECO
If you are applying for a new service connection or additional meter connection, becoming a member of BENECO is required. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1. Attend the Pre-Membership Education Seminar (PMES)
- Conducted every Wednesday at 8:00 AM and Saturday at 1:00 PM at the Gen. PGD Hall, BENECO South Drive.
Step 2. Submit Application for Service Connection (ASC)
- Submit to the Consumer Welfare Office, 04 South Drive, Baguio City
- Must be done personally or through an authorized representative with a notarized SPA and valid IDs
Step 3. Pay the Required Fees
- Membership Fee: ₱100.00
- ID Fee: ₱42.00
Step 4. Document Review and Connection Order
- BENECO staff will verify the documents
- Subject to approval by the Network Services Department (NSD) Manager
Step 5. Site Inspection
- BENECO linemen or metering team will inspect service entrance and metering setup
Step 6. Installation
- If everything is compliant with standards, BENECO will proceed with the installation
Fees
Applicants also need to be ready to pay the following fees:
- Membership Fee: ₱100.00
- ID Fee: ₱42.00
- Energy Deposit for Temporary Service: Calculated as: (Watts x 12 hours x days)/1000 x ₱ per kWh
Video: BENECO Web Portal Guide
The Benguet Electric Cooperative (BENECO) is not just an electric provider. It’s a people-oriented cooperative working to improve lives through sustainable energy, member education, and inclusive community services. If you live in Baguio City or Benguet Province and seek a reliable electric provider that values transparency and efficiency, BENECO is a dependable choice. In its attempt to stay true to its mandate of providing more accessible service to the people of Baguio City or Benguet Province, BENECO also created a web portal for its members. Learn how to use it by watching this video below:
For more details on how to join or apply for a service connection, visit www.beneco.com.ph or email info@beneco.com.ph. You may also contact them via the following numbers: Smart: (+63) 908 865 7202 | Globe: (+63) 917 592 1698. If you prefer to visit, then their registered address is: #4 South Drive, Baguio City,