As Christmas is the season of giving, the recent approval granted by the National Electrification Administration (NEA) to the Joint Venture Agreement between CENECO and Negros Power is indeed a valuable gift welcomed by Central Negros. This decision paves the way for a significant collaboration between Central Negros Electric Cooperative, Inc. (CENECO) and Negros Power and Electric Corporation to usher in a modern era of electrical distribution services, catering to the escalating power needs of the thriving areas of Bacolod City and Central Negros.
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NEA Approves the JVA Between Negros Power and CENECO
As the current electric distribution utility for various cities and municipalities in Negros Occidental, CENECO plays a crucial role in providing electricity to Bacolod, Bago, Silay, Talisay, Murcia, and Don Salvador Benedicto. Therefore, NEA’s endorsement symbolizes a significant step forward in enhancing electric distribution services to address the ever-growing demands of these areas.
In recent months, there has been substantial progress in efforts to enhance electric services. This progress is highlighted by the successful plebiscite and the preliminary approval from the House Committee on Legislative Franchises for the franchise proposal by Negros Electric and Power Corporation (NEPC), both of which have significantly propelled the initiative forward.
NEA’s approval aligns with the plebiscite’s results, thereby solidifying consent on the joint venture agreement between Central Negros Electric Cooperative, Inc. and Primelectric Holdings, Inc. Consequently, this collaboration aims to establish a more efficient and robust CENECO, meeting the region’s rising energy demands.
This milestone approval represents progress. It underscores collective efforts to overcome challenges and guide CENECO toward a brighter future for the organization and its consumers. The partnership with Negros Power signifies a significant step towards ensuring reliable and advanced electrical services for Bacolod City and the broader Central Negros area.
Negros Power’s Plans for Bacolod City and Central Negros:
- Reducing System Loss to Lower Electricity Rates:
- Decreasing system loss will lead to reduced electricity rates, translating into cost savings for consumers. Higher system loss often results in higher bills due to inefficiencies in power distribution.
- Competitive Selection Process (CSP) and Renewable Energy Sources:
- Prioritizing the procurement of renewable energy sources is a key focus. Also, employ a Competitive Selection Process (CSP) aims to obtain cheaper electricity from the Wholesale Electricity Stock Market (WESM). This strategy targets cheaper and more sustainable energy, ultimately reducing costs for consumers.
- Reduction in Unscheduled Brownouts:
- Implementing modern strategies and system rehabilitations to minimize unscheduled power interruptions. Upgrading infrastructure and investing in modern equipment contribute to a more stable power supply.
- Efficient and Faster Customer Service:
- Introducing a 24/7 helpline and immediate response teams for consumer concerns, replacing the current inadequate customer service of CENECO. This proactive approach ensures quicker issue resolution and improved customer satisfaction.
- Efficient Application for New Accounts:
- Facilitating easier access to legal electricity connections, especially for informal settlers. Providing accessible means for legal connections minimizes unauthorized tapping, reducing system loss and potentially leading to lower rates for consumers.
As the partnership between CENECO and Negros Power moves forward, the region eagerly awaits the tangible outcomes this collaboration will bring. It marks a significant step towards a more reliable, efficient, and consumer-centric electricity distribution system. This ensures that the residents and businesses of Bacolod City and Central Negros receive the quality service they deserve.
