Bacolod City Mayor Albee Benitez viewed as a “milestone” the approval of the franchise of Negros Electric and Power Corp. (NEPC), currently under deliberations by the House of Representatives.
House Bill 9310 seeks the grant of a franchise to the NEPC a franchise to supply electricity to in Bacolod, Bago, Silay, and Talisay, as well as the municipalities of Murcia and Don Salvador Benedicto.
Benitez said the approval of the NEPC franchise would not only pave the way for “reliable and affordable electricity for his constituents and business establishments but also promote environmental protection through the use of renewable energy.
The mayor said they now look forward to the positive changes that the NEPC will bring to Bacolod.
“With the approval of the Joint Venture Agreement with Central Negros Electric Cooperative (CENECO), the city anticipates the entry of NEPC, promising cheaper and more efficient power supply, and most importantly, a shift towards green energy,” Benitez said.
“NEPC aims to implement eco-friendly practices and promote renewable energy sources within the city. By embracing cleaner alternatives and reducing carbon emissions, NEPC strives to contribute to Bacolod’s sustainability goals, fostering a greener future for generations to come,” he added.
Benitez sees no impediments in transferring the franchise from CENECO to NEPC, especially since the deal is supported by the residents, business owners, local government units, and various sectors, including non-governmental organizations.
Bacolod is one of the areas in Negros experiencing frequent brownouts and high power rates due to expensive fuel costs and a faulty distribution system.
Poor customer service has also been a common complaint. Bacolod, being a major economic hub, faces difficulty in attracting investments and new businesses due to the high electricity charges. Benitez believes that having a reliable power supply will contribute to the city’s economic growth.
The committee is awaiting the submission of documents from NEPC, CENECO, the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), and the National Electrification Administration (NEA). Upon approval at the committee level, it will proceed to deliberation in the plenary.
Benitez hopes that Congress will approve the franchise before the year ends to commence the rehabilitation of CENECO’s entire distribution system.
Primelectric Holdings Inc. president Roel Castro has pledged to invest around P2.1 billion in the NEPC, aiming to establish cutting-edge systems for an improved consumer experience. The rehabilitation and improvement of the system are necessary to eliminate inefficiencies.
