The decided CENECO consumers have spoken. They overwhelmingly voted in favor of the Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) with Primelectric in order to establish Negros Power. On August 27, 2023, the 6th day of the plebiscite, marked the start of the change for a better energy distribution utility. The result shows that people want to change to better service and lower electric rates. This is a big move towards a better energy future for Bacolod City and Central Negros. Thus, the work begins.
Gaining a Decisive Majority of CENECO Consumers
On that decisive day of the plebiscite, the “Yes to JVA” campaign achieved its intended success. In order to validate the JVA, a majority — 55.53% of the total number of members — cast their votes to make sure that the JVA can push through. An impressive 98,591 votes were in favor of the JVA, clearly showing the strong sentiment among eligible voting CENECO consumers.
Meeting the requirement for a majority in yes votes was no easy job. This is because the approval of the JVA required the equivalent of 50% plus 1 vote of the 177,737 eligible voters. In other words, a minimum of 88,870 consumers should vote YES. Some came in person while others authorized a proxy.
With still two more days left for voting, however, the goal has already been accomplished.
The Voting Tally
Here’s a breakdown of the numbers that influenced this big decision:
- June 24: YES – 13,587, NO – 3,748
- June 25: YES – 8,087, NO – 2,319
- August 19: YES – 24,641, NO – 284
- August 20: YES – 21,247, NO – 250
- August 26: YES – 25,245, NO – 116
- August 27: YES – 5,784, NO – 137
By the close of August 27, a remarkable total of 105,490 votes had been counted, with an overwhelming 98,591 in favor of the JVA and only 6,899 opposing it.
- Last update: 91% of Voters Say YES to CENECO JVA
Aims and Implications of the JVA
What will this JVA bring to the energy distribution utility of Bacolod City and Central Negros? The JVA seeks to achieve several key goals, including:
- Ease CENECO’s financial burdens
- Settle its financial obligations to consumers
- Modernize and upgrade energy facilities
- Minimize unexpected power disruptions
- Enhance customer service by putting up a better issue-resolution mechanism
- Streamline the electricity billing process
- Prioritize sourcing power from renewable energy and cheaper suppliers
- Reduce system loss plus the previous will result in lower electricity rates
READ: Why NEGROS Power (Primelectric and CENECO JVA) is a Better Choice
A Triumph of Information and Understanding
Throughout the past three months, the advocates of the JVA have tirelessly disseminated information about the agreement’s benefits. Finally, the City of Smiles will enjoy better service and cheaper power rates, thanks to a persistent Information, Education, and Communication campaign.
As a result, a widespread understanding has emerged among consumers regarding the positive impact that the partnership between CENECO and Primelectric/Negros Power could bring.
I am one of those individuals who actively campaigned for this change. For a very long time, I have been frustrated with the lousy service CENECO has been giving us. This relentless effort finally bore fruit.
As I have been sharing, I operate a business in Bacolod City, and some of my equipment is susceptible to damage if there are constant fluctuations or surges in electricity. In fact, one of my automatic voltage regulators (AVR) was damaged due to a power surge, a situation that could have been prevented if the present DU had been earnestly maintaining its facilities.
Unfortunately, despite the rapid growth of the city, as well as the SuperCity campaign of Mayor Albee Benitez, a lack of foresight hindered the necessary modernization to keep pace with development.
The Birth of a Partnership
On June 3, 2023, CENECO and Primelectric formalized their commitment by signing the JVA. This historical moment marked the initiation of a cooperative journey towards a more efficient and responsive energy future. Then the weekly plebiscite firmly established the approval of the JVA, commencing on June 23 and culminating on September 3.
In conclusion, the strong support for the Joint Venture Agreement by CENECO consumers is a turning point for energy. This important choice shows that the community believes that this will move us forward and is ready to welcome changes for a better and more empowered future.
