Central Negros Consumers Support Electric Power Privatization
In a significant development, homeowners-consumers from Bacolod City and Negros Occidental have expressed their unwavering support for the privatization of electric power distribution in the region. Represented by their Chairpersons, community associations have officially endorsed the granting of a Congressional franchise to the Negros Electric and Power Corporation (NEPC).
The move to privatize the electric power distribution is aimed at enhancing services and addressing the persistent issues faced by the community. The house bill sponsored by representatives from Central Negros is currently awaiting review in the Senate’s Committee on Public Services.
In a joint statement, the community associations voiced their disappointment with the services provided by the Central Negros Electric Cooperative (CENECO), which have significantly impacted their daily lives. They cited frequent blackouts, power outages, and brownouts, highlighting the lack of reliable power supply and efficient services despite their consistent payment of monthly bills.
The high systems loss incurred by CENECO also drew criticism from the homeowners-consumers. They expressed frustration at bearing the financial burden of these losses, which are passed on to their electricity rate charges.
The women’s organizations within the community emphasized the adverse consequences of unscheduled power interruptions. They stressed that electricity is a basic necessity that affects various aspects of their lives, including food preparation, access to news and information, water supply, and home security. The absence of electricity poses risks and hampers their daily routines.
The Chairpersons of the community associations collectively called for the rehabilitation of CENECO’s infrastructure, asserting that only a private distribution utility with the necessary financial capability, technical expertise, and managerial skills can bring about the desired change. They expressed their support for NEPC’s Congressional franchise application, hoping that it will help minimize power outages and frequency disturbances.
Last year, the member-consumer-owners overwhelmingly approved the Joint Venture of CENECO and NEPC in a plebiscite. As part of the agreement, Primelectric Holdings Incorporated, the parent company of NEPC, will acquire all electric distribution assets of CENECO through a combination of cash and shares once NEPC secures the congressional franchise to operate in Bacolod, Bago, Silay, Talisay, Murcia, and Don Salvador Benedicto.
The homeowners-consumers’ endorsement of the privatization initiative underscores the urgent need for improved services and infrastructure in the region. Their collective support highlights the belief that a private distribution utility can bring about the necessary changes to enhance the reliability and efficiency of the electric power supply in Central Negros.
