Nine months after assuming the electric distribution operations in central Negros, Negros Electric and Power Corporation (Negros Power) reported improvements in infrastructure, service reliability, and consumer engagement.
In a recent meeting with consumer and business leaders, Negros Power President and CEO Roel Castro presented a comprehensive report detailing the company’s key achievements since starting operations in August 2024.
“From day one, our goal has been to modernize the system, restore public confidence, and extend reliable, responsive electric service to all. The progress we’ve made is just the beginning of a broader transformation,” Castro declared.
Among the most notable achievements in the past nine months, according to Castro, is the complete rehabilitation of the Alijis Substation, which is now equipped with new and uprated power transformers.
Additional improvements were carried out in other substations to enhance system capacity and resilience, he added.
Negros Power also reported to have successfully rehabilitated the entire 30-kilometer Bacolod–Silay 69kV sub-transmission line, replacing aging poles and installing new pin insulators, with massive vegetation clearing initiative complementing the effort, reducing the risks of outages and improving system reliability.
To further improve service continuity, Negros Power installed automatic circuit reclosers, load break, and disconnect switches, replaced bare wires with insulated lines, and added rubber inserts to minimize animal intrusions.
This resulted in a significant reduction in the frequency and duration of power interruptions, it claimed.
Energy-efficient distribution transformers were strategically installed and uprated across the franchise area, helping manage load more effectively while improving power quality for consumers.
The company also intensified efforts to reduce system loss by initiating strict anti-electricity pilferage campaigns, ensuring accountability, and protecting legitimate consumers from losses due to illegal connections.
Negros Power also replaced thousands of defective and outdated electric meters with new, digital models—at no additional cost to consumers.
To further improve convenience, the company activated over 100 new payment centers, increasing accessibility for bill payments, the application process for new connections was streamlined, with the utility now actively assisting applicants with permit processing at the Office of the Building Official (OBO).
Negros Power established a 24/7 customer service team accessible through dedicated helplines and Facebook Messenger, while maintaining consistent advisories and real-time service updates through social media platforms.
One of the most impactful initiatives, according to Negros Power, is the Sitio Electrification Program, which has already begun energizing remote and previously unserved communities.
This effort involves installing new poles, transformers, and meters, providing reliable power access to areas that had long been in the dark.
“We did it in 17 sitios and invested nearly P26 million, benefiting 1,671 households,” Castro stressed.
He also reported that Negros Power is laying the groundwork for its modernization roadmap, as it started implementing advanced technologies such as a centralized control center, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, drones for aerial surveys and thermal scanning, and a Geographic Information System (GIS) for asset mapping.
Real-time monitoring of response times has also been activated to improve emergency handling and maintenance work.
Castro also reported that the Underground Distribution System project in Lacson Street is underway and expected to be completed before Bacolod’s Masskara Festival in October.
Despite the wave of infrastructure investments, Negros Power said it also maintained the lowest average rates in the region.
This was achieved through strategic power supply contracting and diligent monitoring of spot market prices to secure the most competitive generation mix.
Frank Carbon, Co-Chair of the Energy and Power Committee of PCCI for Visayas and former President of the Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said that stable and modern power is essential to economic growth.
Carbon added that the direction Negros Power is taking is exactly what Bacolod and the rest of Central Negros need.
Atty. Arnel Lapore, Ceneco general manager noted, “Negros Power’s efficient management and clear vision have brought much-needed improvements.”
Christian Weber of Amlig Kuryente also commended Negros Power for a job well done.
Wennie Sancho, President of the Alliance of Concerned Consumers in Electricity and Social Services (ACCESS) came up with an analysis that overall, Negros Power has made significant strides in meeting consumers expectations particularly in power reliability. While progress has been made, consumers still experienced power outages, highlighting the need for continued infrastructure upgrades and maintenance. Regular updates and transparent communication can further improve consumers’ trust and confidence.
ACCESS also submitted to Negros Power an unsolicited Executive Summary Report on the performance of Negros Power signed by Wennie Sancho and Ramon Gumban wherein they expressed their shared vision for a bright future. It must be recalled that the Negros Power has demonstrated prompt action in resolving power outages such as the swift response to a malfunctioning transformer incident affecting 48,000 families.
The productive dialogue-consultation with Castro is a manifestation of concern by the Negros Power to its consumers by reaching out to them. Castro encouraged the consumers to be vigilant and should not merely be a passive recipient of electricity but an active participant by providing feedback to the DU’s as a contribution for a sustainable future.
“As we navigate the complexities of our evolving energy landscape, it is clear that the success of our collective action hinges on the collaboration between ACCESS and Negros Power,” Sancho stressed.
Collaboration between ACCESS and Negros Power is crucial for a bright future as it fosters a synergistic relationship that leverages the strength of both parties. By working together, they can ensure reliable and efficient electricity services, promote sustainable energy practices and address the evolving needs of our communities, he said.
Negros Power reaffirmed its commitment to continue investing in infrastructure, modern technology, consumer care programs, and inclusive service delivery across Central Negros. “The journey has just begun. We owe it to our consumers to deliver reliable, accessible, and affordable electricity for years to come,” Castro concluded.
Castro, however, asked for patience and understanding, as they need four more years for consumers to feel the improvements of the full rehabilitation and modernization plan. (Gilber Bayoran via tvds)