The ISABELA I ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. was organized, incorporated and registered on March 24, 1972. Before this date, a feasibility study was conducted by the Provincial Electric Cooperative Team(PECT) created by Govemor Fauslino N.Dy, to facilitate the implementation of the electrification program of the government, designating Honorable Efren N. Ambrosio, then a Provincial Board. Member to bead the team, together with the Municipal mayor of Ramon-Angelilo Viscarra, Ricardo N. Bareng- NEA Training Officer; Napoleon N. Daway- PACD; Eusebio M. Juan-BVS, Head, Vocational Department; Antonio B. Martinez-CAO-CCO and Cesar Melegrito PACD-APDC. The feasibility study covered six (6) municipalities-Alicia, Angadanan, Echague, San Isidro, Ramon, and San Mateo- the nucleus of ISELCO I coverage area.

The organization of ISELCO I Board of Directors was facilitated by organizing the District Electrification Committee of the six(6) municipalities who elected their Chairman. The Chairman became the Directors of the 1st Ad interim Board (Incorporators) of ISELCO I with the following of officers: Chairman- Arsenio B. Bumalay, Sr.; Vice-President Engr. Inocencio C. Castañeda; Secretary- Eufracio M. Gumpal; Treasurer Col. Andres Damian; Members: Rolando P. Garcia and Ralael Zipagan.

The interim Board sworn into office by Govenor Faustino N. Dy without delay. The Board immediately went into business, adopted the constitution and by-laws, signed the incorporation papers, ratified by proper authorities concerned alter which the Franchise of ISELCO I was delivered to the Board. Under the guidance of Atty.Aristedes Sebastian, Board Resolution was adopted by the Directors and other legal actuations necessary as initial performance of the 1st Ad Interim Board.

On March 22, 1972, the District Electrification Committee of the six (6) municipalities with the Chairman set in Alicia Elementary School where a formal program of organization, incorporation and registration was effected in a package deal delivered by the representatives of the National Electrification Committee headed by Acting Administrator Leonardo Coloso, officiated by the Provincial Governor Faustino N. Dy and other ranking officials connected with rural electrification program of the administration.

On July 12, 1973, the Board held a meeting at the ideal Restaurant, Echague, Isabela, appointing the General Manager of the Isabela I Electric Cooperative, Inc. Engr. Pablo S. Sison.

Closely after the appointment of the General. Manager, the board was called to NEA to sign the first loan given to ISELCO I in the amount of P26,301,800.00 followed by the hiring or appointment of the Adrian Wilson International Association( AWIA) as the Engineering Consultants of ISELCO 1.

On February 1974, the Board of Directors and the General Manager were sent to attend the 7th NEA Cooperative Management Course held at Searsolin, Cagayan de Oro.

CONTACTS AND CONTRACTORS:

Bids were advertised in the national media for the construction of ISELCO I, facilities. The Trans-Orient Engineering, Inc. got the award for the construction of the power house including the installation of the generation set. The S.D. Flores Construction was awarded the construction of the housing facilities, administration building and the GM's quarter, including the site development.

PERIOD OF ENERGIZATION AND EXPANSION:

The later part of the year saw a more vigorous prosecution of the construction with all the contractors moving according to their timetable. The Trans-Orient Engineering, Inc. installed the general motors 1000KV genset, the Electro-Mechanical Enterprises working on the backbone lines and the S.D. Flores Construction building the site. Development was getting ready for the inspection and turn over in early November 1975. While everybody was getting interested with the program of work done by the contractors, more interest was focused and generated with construction of the genset.

November 6, 1975 was a red letter day for ISELCO 1, marking the first power switch-on of the 1000 KV genset. II heralded the day when electricity was first generated by ISELCO I energizing Alicia poblacion. The energizalion of Angadanan and Echague followed on December 2 and 8, I975; Cauayan on March 5, 1975(take-over), Santiago March 19, 1975; San Isidro-August 4, 1976, Cordon-September 9, 1976; Luna-December 12, 1976; Cabatuan-December 23, 1976; San Mateo-June 20, 1976; and Ramon - March 12, 1976.

The year 1976 witnessed a great change in the cooperative's activities. Change is a sign of progress and development. The old ISELCO I board must have to change just so, it can meet the demands of an ever changing world.

Among the six(6) original Directors-Incorporators, lwo(2) were Ieft as members of the second interim board. They were Engr. Inocencio C. Castañeda of Ramon and Col. Andres Damian of San Mateo. The other four(4) have decided to join the management staff including the Board President, Mr. Arsenio B. Bumatay, Sr. who tendered his resignation from the Board effective May 1, 1977 filling a key position as Asst. General Manager of ISELCO 1.

The second composition of the board (June 1976- August 1977) were as follows: President- Mr. Casimiro V. Rodriguez; Vice-President- Engr. Inoceneio C. Castañeda; Mr. Dominador Mateo; Treasurer- Col. Andres Damian; Member-Mr. Lucio A. Guzman andMr. Alfredo Ladia.

The year 1977 ushered a brighter hopes for the demands for a greater service is rising fast. As December 31, I976, the coop had already energized 11 municipalities, 97 banjos and lighted 4,383. This only showed that ISELCO l had done a great job in so a short time. Within the year, the construction activities were in full swing, the expansion of the backbone lines was expected to reach the last four municipalities within the franchise area of ISELCO I in the succeeding years. Finally, on March 30, 1977, Jones was energized; followed by the energization of Reina Mercedes on March 21, 1979, San Guillerrno on March 21, 1982 and San Agustin on April 24, 1982.

It was during the year when the new ISELCO I Board was organized taking-over the function of the Old interim Board. The Old Board is serving kin. Ad interim capacity and that sooner or later, they must be replaced by Directors sensing in a regular capacity properly elected by the member in an assembly called for the purpose. This is in accordance with the constitution and by-laws of the cooperative. The duly elected Directors met in a special session on August 27, 1977 at ISELCO I Boardroom. The meeting started at 9:00 AM with the General Manager Engr. Pablo S. Sison as the Presiding Offiicer. All position and/or offices were declared vacant. Atty. Gloria O. Ambrosio was nominated for President and unanimously elected Engr. Innocencio C. Catañeda retained his post as Vice-President; elected Secretary was Mr. CasimiroV. Rodriguez; Mr. Lucio a, De Guzman, Jr.- Treasurer; Members: Col.Andres Damian (ret.); Dr. Orencio O. Lelina, Mr. Dominador Mateo; Dr. Adolph O. Flores; Mr. Brigido Valenzuela; Mr. Demetrio J. Marcelo and Mr. Gorgonio E. Villador.

1980

Before the decade '70 was closed, ushering the year 1980, the Isabela I Electric Cooperative, Inc. was going through its 8th year of cooperative life with all the signs of a normal growth and development. The cooperative has grown steadily without interruption. In spite of the high expectations of all concerned in the electrification program of ISELCO I basing from its initial gain, the year 1980 proved and is recorded in the annals of electrification of our country as a year of calamity. During the first quarter, the COOP produced a total of 3,862,446 kwh per month or an average Or 1,287,480 kwh per month, substantially enough to meet the expectations of our member consumers of the cooperative area.

The same performance continued up to the second quarter of the year. The Power generation Department recorded a total of 3,391,360 kwh or an average of I, 130,453 kwh Per month by the end of June 1980. Then came unexpected occurrence. Three destructive Typhoon Nitang, Osang and Aring struck successively the servie area of ISELCO I, leaving destruction and damages valued at P l.5M. A total of 150 kms. of lines were destroyed affecting greatly the business operation of the coop.

The construction and rehabilitation was immediately enforced, Task Forces from NUlVELCO, ISELCO 11, QUIRBLCO, TARELCO and NEECO came to rescue. Without them, it would have meant more losses for ISELCO I for the delay of the operation. The result of the catastrophe was an inefficient service, blackout thereafter. Loss of business due to destruction of installation resulted in no cash with which to buy fuel especially the cost of fuel had been raised by the petroleum dealers twice during the year. The last quarter of 1980 showed the impact of negative operation due to calamity.

Aware of the problem on hand, ISELCO I General Manager started without delay the intensification of collection campaign. He also recommended to the Board a ten percent(l0%) retrenchment policy reducing the members of ISELCO I employees by forced leaves, in order to effect balancing of collection and expenditures. Board resolutions were sent to the National Electrification Administration requesting financial assistance to be charged or deducted from the balance of ISELCO I still not expanded. The Honorable Faustino N. Dy participated directly in these activities.

1981

The year 1981 marked another milestone in the electrification program of the government when the NPC sub-station at Rizal, Santiago, Isabela was energized on September 9, 1981. The NPC connection, at least will ensure a steady and more stable electric service to the people.

The official switched-on was officiated by the Honorable Juan Ponce Enrile Minister of National Defense assisted by the Honorable Faustino N. Dy, Provincial Governor of Isabela and President Gabriel Itchon of National Power Corporation.

Witnesses to this historic occasion were multitude of people from all walks of life .General Manager and members of the Board of Directors of the different cooperatives Region II were also present. Since August 26, 1981, ISELCO I was operating on a 2 hour basis with NPC power service. This milestone was reached after five (5) years waiting.

1981

The year 1982 was a busy year for ISBLCO 1. The 100% completion of the 13. KV backbone lines in the entire coverage area of the 15 municipalities was a lot achievements of the coop. During theses days, the brightness and adversity of using electricity had been fully utilized.

1983

By the year 1983, more integrated and coordinative efforts have been exerted for a higher level of operations. Residential, Commercial and industrial establishment flourished within the area. The growth of this establishment also means an increase the kilowatt hour purchased by ISELCO I from the National Power Corporation. As thr coop grew and expanded. Two (2) special projects were born- Dendro thermal and the Mini-Hydro Power Plants. The Dendro-Thermal Project and the Mini-Hydro plant Magat A & B with an initial loan of P62M became operational on Febnuary 1984 an February, 1985 respectively.

The construction of these projects had caused the coop to hire addition, employee. Likewise, the increased in human and labor had also caused the management to create Branch Offices and sub-offices to utilize to the maximum the 370 strong labs force of ISELCO 1, and to further intensify the collection of power bills to cope with our obligation to the National Power Corporation.

1984

Today, ISELCO I is undergoing the pains of a fast growing organization. The year 1984 was difficult year for the cooperative. Its operation reflected in the economic crisis in the country. The acute lack of construction materials particularly treated pole and cross arms hampered the expansion program of the cooperative. Delinquency in the payment of power bills was also noted during the period, most especially from the loc. government offices and a number of business enterprises. The period also marked the increased in the system loss due to the accelerated activities of a syndicated meter tampering group taking advantage of the economic problem of the member-consumers.

1985

On February, 1985 with the NEA spearheading the Mini- Hydro development program, ISELCO I celebrated the commissioning of Magat B Mini-Hydro plant (Magat was inaugurated a year earlier). The two plants, with seven (7) generating units have a total capacity of 2,500 kw representing 20% of the total power requirements of ISELCO I at the time.

On its 15th year of operation, ISELCO I could boast of a number of notable achievements, 1,188 kilometers of lines have been constructed energizing 42,337 households.

1987

1987 would have been just another year in the steady march to progress of our coop. However, it will always be remembered as the year when October 29, 1987 employees of ISELCO I went on a strike. This was eventually resolved by the intercession of the late Gov. Fauslino N. Dy and the Coop Officers.

General Manager Pablo Sison retired in July, 1988. Dr. Orencio O. Lelina, Sr. who was then Board President, was appointed as OIC. Dr. Lelina immediately introduced vigorous changes resulting in the dramatic reduction of system loss and increase in collection efficiency, The work of the branch offices contributed in no small measure to these successes.

1989

In 1989, Typhoon Tasing focused its cyelonic fury on our area, this time damaging 1,250 kilometers of lines costing our coop P14M to rehabilitate. However, gaining from experience, our men were able to restore power completely in one month's time. In spite of these and other crises, ISELCO I's performance for 1990 was a good one. The success and efficient service of our cooperative is reflected in the active participation and sense of belonging of all member-consumers towards the system.

Significantly and of great importance, we were able to:

Avail of the 3% prompt payment discount from NPC and;

Religiously pay our amortization to NEA.

1992

1992 is memorable because of the start of four to six hours daily brown outs due to the breakdown of the power plants of NPC following the EDSA Revolution. Programs to enhance coop-consumer relationship and community service continued however. Among these were the consumer relations program, boys and girls week celebration, launching of a mini-library and "Kislap Kuryente" Program

1993

In 1993, Dr. Lelina resigned as General Manager and Engr. Romulo G. Gapusan was appointed OIC. As if to test his mettle, super typhoons Goring and Kadiang came and laid waste millions worth of electric lines and facilities as well as building. Rising to the occasion, GM Gapusan folded up his sleeves and went to work restoring our system in record time.

This year also marked the receipt of computers including software from USAID to modernize our operations. A good number of our personnel have undergone training and refresher courses to run our computer system.

1994

In March 1994, the PNOC-EC was inaugurated, a natural gas plant with a maximum capacity of 3 megawatts. Synchronized and interconnected with NPC, it now supplies part of Santiago City and the towns of Echague, Jones and San Agustin. The 19th General Membership Meeting was held at Cabatuan, Isabela where the information drive on Republic Act 7832, otherwise known as the Anti-Pilferage Law was launched. Operation System Loss Reduction (OPSYLORE) and Task Force Meter inspection was organized to apprehend the illegal use of electricity, and in 1995, energization of additional 18 barangays and 46 big establishments as well as connection to 4,301 households.

1996

As part of our members right to select their representatives to the Board, District Elections were held in 7 districts in January and February, 1996.

For the year, 6,056 new consumers were connected to our lines. Under the TANGLAW Project, twelve schools equivalent to 58 school rooms were energized for free. Twenty seven (27) Barangay Power association are active and operational in its effort, to keep our member-consumers informed and knowledgeable of Coop operations and activities, the following were undertaken:

1. Radio Program "ISELCO I Hour" was aired over radio station DWDY every Sunday at 8:00 A.M.

2. Printing and distribution of periodikit to our consumers.

3. Information drives to barangay and municipal levwl.

4. Posting posters of Republic Act 7832 or Anti-Pilferage Act of 1994 to branch, collection of offices and public places.

5. Attended meetings with Sangguniang Bayan and DEC members.

1997

was a busy year for the ISABELA I ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. as we celebrate its silver anniversary. Considerable achievements were attained in terms of financial, institutional and technical aspects of operations and while in the process of coping with its mandated tasks.

As the year ended, 88.24% of the barangays in our coverage area were energized (433 out of 502), our membership grew to 81,509 (75,453 in 1996} and 5,667 households were energized bringing to a total of 78,149 house connections.

Expansion of primary lines during the year was extended to the remote barangays of Cauayan, Jones, San Guillermo, Luna and San Isidro through government subsidy and loans from NEA. The following data indicates the number of kilometers of lines constructed for the year:

To date:

Our coop imposed a rate approved by the Energy Regulatory Board (ERB) of 3.4513 per kilowatt hour broken down as follows:

Aside From the basic Rate, there are other charges from the National Power Corporation (NPC) that are included in the computation of our effective rate like the Power Purchased Adjustment (PPA) and Wage Adjustment Clause (WAC) from the Regional Wage Board. Such charges vary every month and our cooperative has no administrative control as these are approved by tile Energy Regulatory Board (ERB).

Despite financial difficulties, we ate availing of the 3% Prompt Payment Discounl (PPD) from the NPC as we continue to pursue our mission to provide efficient, reliable and affordable electric service within out coverage area.

For the year ending 1998, ISELCO I is serving 441 barangays out of a total of 502 barangays or 87.84%.

Out of 105,377 potential households within the 15 municipalities, 85,140 houses have been energized by the end of the year, or 80.798%. This is an increase of 6,991 over last year's total.