BAGUIO CITY – The Benguet Electric Cooperative (Beneco) is set to complete the electrification of 206 additional sitios across Baguio City and Benguet province by 2027, extending electricity access to more underserved communities.

According to Beneco General Manager Melchor Licoben, the project will benefit an estimated 26,438 households in 269 barangays located in the municipalities of Atok, Bakun, Bokod, Buguias, Itogon, Kabayan, Kapangan, Kibungan, La Trinidad, Mankayan, Sablan, Tuba, Tublay, and Baguio City, as well as parts of Pangasinan.

“Electricity is a necessity. There are many things we cannot do without power that is why it is pursued even in areas where there are few households or minimal power consumption,” Licoben said in an interview on Friday.

The electrification will proceed in phases: 98 sitios in 2025, 74 in 2026, and 34 in 2027.

The entire initiative is projected to cost P334.6 million.

Licoben noted that the program is funded primarily by the National Electrification Administration (NEA), with Beneco contributing PHP13 million from its internally generated revenues.

NEA has allocated PHP100 million for the 2025 rollout.

While the current plan targets existing sitios, Licoben said the growing population and expansion of residential areas may create new sitios needing future energization.

The sitio electrification program, despite limited return on investment, aims to ensure inclusive energy access nationwide.

BENECO PHOTO