Empowering Negros Island: Insights From The Negros Electric Power Forum
Negros Island took a significant stride towards securing its energy future with the recent staging of the “Negros Electric Power Forum,” organized by the Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI) held at L’Fisher Hotel. The forum served as a platform to address the pressing issues of power distribution on the island. The gathering brought together key industry stakeholders and government officials, all united by a common goal: to ensure a robust and sustainable power supply that will fuel the island’s growth and progress.
Bacolod City Councilor Thaddy Sayson, representing Mayor Albee Benitez, emphasized the crucial role of reliable electricity distribution. He pointed out that a dependable power supply is not just a matter of convenience, but a vital factor in the city’s progression and prosperity. Sayson’s personal experiences with appliance damage due to power fluctuations underscored the urgency of this issue.
Frank Carbon, Co-Chair of PCCI Energy, Power, and Water Committee, and Vice President of MBCCI, highlighted the importance of collaboration among industry players. He proposed the formation of a coordinating council for power security to foster regular discussions and develop a strategic roadmap for the future. Carbon’s insights, particularly on the EPIRA law, emphasized the need for a collaborative approach in the power sector.
Bacolod City Councilor Kalaw Puentevella also expressed concerns about power reliability and its impact on public safety and the city’s transformation into a “Supercity.” He underscored the importance of resolving power interruptions to prevent further economic setbacks for local businesses.
Roel Castro, President and CEO of Negros Electric and Power Corporation (Negros Power), provided a technical perspective on the challenges of power distribution. He highlighted past significant blackouts that affected Negros and Panay, emphasizing the need for stable, continuous, and cost-effective power distribution. Castro also shared forthcoming plans for Negros Power, focusing on regulation, standardization, and modernization to meet the growing power demands in the region.
Castro also shed light on upcoming projects, such as the CNP Cebu-Negros-Panay backdoor initiative, aimed at enhancing power supply and distribution efficiency. He stressed the significance of Load Profile management, which involves adapting energy sources to seasonal fluctuations and increasing demands.
The future of power security and reliability on Negros Island lies in strengthening regulations, enhancing monitoring systems, and cracking down on illegal connections. The Negros Electric Power Forum marked a significant step towards this goal, showing that through collaborative efforts, a more sustainable energy future can be achieved for the city and its residents.
