Consumer Services
Service FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about OEDC service — transformers, voltage, power interruptions, disconnection and bill deposits.
1. Why doesn’t OEDC allow their consumers to install private transformers on poles owned by OEDC?
It is the policy of OEDC to install only company owned transformers on its poles for the following reasons: (a) To establish clear boundary of assets of the company by ensuring that all lines and equipment installed or attached on OEDC poles belong to the company; except those engage in the public utility business (ex. telephone companies) whose use is governed by a Joint Pole Use Agreement. (b) To maximize the use of transformers by making the equipment and facilities along the road available to all users proximate to the pole location.
OEDC however understands that there are customers who want to have a dedicated transformer for their use; OEDC will allow it provided the transformers are to be installed inside their building or within their premises either through a pad-mount or pole-mount installation. In this case, customers shall apply to OEDC connections and be metered through a 13.8kV primary system.
2. Why does OEDC only maintain a nominal voltage of 230V?
The government regulation under DSOAR Article I.7.6 requires Distribution Utility to adopt 230 volts as its nominal service voltage. Maintaining a service voltage in addition to the 230 volts is very unsafe and expensive in utility operations. Most of the problems that have been encountered are the tagging and identification of different voltages in the service wires. If not properly identified and tagged, there is tendency of interchanging the connections that will lead to damages not only for the equipment of OEDC but also to customer’s appliances. The other problem is the under-utilization of utility equipment and in the case of 110V, only 50% can be loaded to a 230V designed transformer.
3. What are the reasons behind the power interruptions?
There are two types of power interruptions: (a) Planned or scheduled power interruptions — necessary to do corrective works and maintenance on the system and its facilities. When OEDC took over the operation, the distribution system facilities were in bad shape with problems such as overloaded lines, defective and rotten poles, overloaded substation, and other problems that required immediate corrections, most of which necessitate a shutdown. This interruption is planned ahead at least a week before. Affected customers are informed through radio stations, bulletin boards of OEDC offices, OEDC FB accounts, texts and emails, notices to the city hall and affected barangay halls, and OEDC’s mobile Public Address system roaming affected areas a day before. (b) Unplanned or unscheduled power interruptions — these happen unexpectedly. Electric distribution systems are normally provided with protection systems that automatically shut down the power in case of abnormalities such as cut wires, toppled poles, fallen trees hitting or leaning on high voltage wires, and other line concerns. To prevent these, OEDC ensures trees near high voltage lines are trimmed, rotten poles replaced, and undersized wires upgraded.
4. What are other grounds for disconnection?
Flying Connection / Sub metering — Magna Carta for Residential Electricity Consumers, Article 18. Right to Due Process Prior to Disconnection of Electric Service: disconnection shall only be made under the following circumstances: (a) Non-payment of electric bills within the period provided in Article 32; (b) Illegal use of electricity under Republic Act No. 7832 (Anti-Electricity Pilferage Law); (c) Upon lawful orders of government agencies and/or the courts; (d) When the public safety so requires; (e) Request of the registered customers based on justifiable reasons; or (f) Allowing other end-users or persons to be connected to his electrical installation, whether for profit or not.
5. Why are customers required to pay Bill Deposit?