BACOLOD CITY – Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson has his name added to the list of those supporting the proposed Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) between the Negros Electric and Power Corporation (NEPC) and the Northern Negros Electric Cooperative (NONECO).
Expressing his support to the proposal, Lacson disclosed over-the-weekend that he already witnessed how NEPC, also known as Negros Power, works in Bacolod City, citing the much improved delivery of power services to its consumers.
Negros Power, according to Lacson, has the Capital Expenditures (CAPEX) to introduce projects that will improve the delivery of power.
That has always been the problem of (electric) cooperatives, they need to get the approval for CAPEX, and in most cases it is not approved, or no action. But with JVA with Negros Power, you will see the immediate action, the governor said.
While we were still with CENECO (Central Negros Electric Cooperative), Lacson said recalled that it took months to restore power, during power outages.
Since Negros Power is a very solid company, it only took two weeks to restore power, he added.
So I am in favor, because of its performance, as what I see here in the CENECO area, Lacson said.
For more than a year of operations, Negros Power already spent P1.2 billion on system upgrades, without increasing distribution charges.
NONECO currently serves more than 200,000 consumers across the municipalities and cities from E.B. Magalona to San Carlos City.
Cadiz City Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. has also expressed optimism about the proposed partnership, saying that any initiative that will bring better service to the public should be welcomed.
The Alliance of Concerned Consumers in Electricity and Social Services (ACCESS) has expressed support to the proposed JVA between NONECO and the NEPC
The Diocese of San Carlos in Negros Occidental earlier issued a pastoral letter, calling for a careful study and discernment on the reported discussions regarding the proposed JVA.
Bishop Gerardo Alminaza said he considers it as “a pastoral duty to help guide the faithful and the broader public in approaching the issue, not with haste or emotion, but with prudence, wisdom, and a sincere concern for the common good.”
The area of jurisdiction of Diocese of San Carlos includes the municipalities of Manapla, Toboso, Calatrava, Don Salvador Benedicto, and the cities of San Carlos, Escalante, Cadiz, and Sagay in Negros Occidental, as well as towns of Vallehermoso, La Libertad, cities of Guihulngan and Canlaon in Negros Oriental.
Noneco general manager Welbe Bilbao earlier confirmed they received a letter of intent for a JVA with Negros Power.
He, however, said the letter has not been deliberated by the Noneco board of directors, and must also be raised with the National Electrification Administration. (Gilbert Bayoran via tvds)