PBBM Approves Franchise for Negros Power

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PBBM Approves Franchise for Negros Power: A New Era for Central Negros

As a proud resident of Bacolod City, I am thrilled to share the fantastic news that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has approved the franchise for Negros Electric and Power Corporation (NEPC). This exciting development promises to revolutionize the electricity distribution system in Central Negros, ensuring continuous and uninterrupted power supply for our community. Let’s dive into the details and explore what this means for us.

The Legislative Journey

On July 26, 2024, Republic Act Number 12011 was signed into law, just a day before it would have lapsed into law. This legislation, which will come into effect fifteen days after publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation, is a significant milestone for Central Negros. The bill, introduced by Negrense Representatives Stephen Paduano, Jose Francisco Benitez, Juliet Marie Ferrer, and Greg Gasataya, was approved by the House on February 21, 2024, amended by the Senate on May 20, 2024, and further concurred by the House on May 22, 2024, before being forwarded to the Office of the President.

Who is Negros Power?

Negros Electric and Power Corporation (NEPC), also known as Negros Power, is a joint venture between Primelectric Holdings Inc. (PHI) and Central Negros Electric Cooperative (CENECO). This collaboration aims to improve power distribution and customer service for over 220,000 active accounts in Bacolod, Bago, Talisay, Silay, Murcia, and Don Salvador Benedicto.

Under the agreement, PHI will acquire all CENECO’s power distribution assets, valued at over two billion pesos, with 70% in cash and the remaining 30% as CENECO’s share in NEPC. The National Electrification Administration (NEA) endorsed CENECO’s decision, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing loan repayments and employee retirement and separation benefits as outlined in their Collective Bargaining Agreements.

Negros Power has committed to retaining over 200 CENECO employees, ensuring continuity and stability for the workforce.

Ensuring a Smooth Transition

To ensure a seamless transition, Negros Power and MORE Power have been actively working on preventive maintenance activities and responding to trouble calls from consumers. These efforts are crucial in preparing for the official start of operations in August. Additionally, Negros Power has been diligently preparing its offices, materials, and equipment to ensure that we, the consumers, do not experience any disruptions during this transition period.

Commitment to Improvement

Roel Castro, President and CEO of Negros Power, expressed gratitude for the support from legislators, consumers, and local leaders in Central Negros. He emphasized the company’s dedication to enhancing electric service and fulfilling consumer promises. “We now have the law, it’s time to walk the talk, and we are ready to serve and fulfill our promises to the consumers of Central Negros,” Castro said.

Negros Power has allocated an initial capital of two billion pesos for a five-year plan aimed at rehabilitating and modernizing the electric infrastructure. This investment is expected to significantly enhance the reliability and efficiency of our electricity supply, reducing instances of unscheduled power interruptions.

The Road Ahead

As we look forward to the official commencement of Negros Power’s operations, Castro urged ongoing support and collaboration from the community. “We seek your continued support and cooperation as we commence the five-year journey of continuous rehabilitation to enhance the system and minimize instances of unscheduled power interruptions,” he added.

Negros Power will soon apply for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to commence official operations. This certification will mark the beginning of a new era in electricity distribution for Central Negros.

Conclusion

For us consumers in Bacolod City and the surrounding areas, the approval of the NEPC franchise is a much-anticipated development. This partnership between PHI and CENECO, supported by a comprehensive legislative process and a clear commitment to improvement, promises to transform our electricity distribution system. With continuous efforts and dedicated leadership, Negros Power is set to deliver a more reliable and efficient service, ensuring a brighter future for all of Central Negros.