“Negros Island Power Forum” is a gathering organized by the Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI), where industry leaders and government officials convened to address critical issues concerning power distribution in Negros Island. This was held last March 20, 2024, at L’Fisher Hotel. Here are the topics and issues discussed during the power security and reliability forum, shedding light on strategies to bolster the region’s power infrastructure and ensure an uninterrupted electricity supply.
Introduction
The “Negros Island Power Forum”, facilitated by MBCCI, served as a platform for stakeholders to converge and deliberate on pressing concerns surrounding power distribution in Negros Island. With power security and reliability in mind, industry players explored avenues to fortify the region’s power infrastructure, fostering economic growth and societal resilience.
Key Insights from the Negros Electric Power Forum
1. Imperative for Reliable Electricity Distribution:
At the forefront of discussions was the urgent need for a dependable electricity supply to fuel economic growth and societal advancement. Bacolod City Councilor Thaddy Sayson emphasized the crucial role of a stable power supply in driving the city’s progress, aligning with the forum’s overarching goal of enhancing power security and reliability. Councilor Sayson spoke on behalf of Mayor Albee Benitez.
2. Collaborative Approach for Strategic Planning:
Frank Carbon, Co-Chair of PCCI Energy, Power, and Water Committee, advocated for collaborative efforts among industry stakeholders. Mr Carbon sighted Republic Act No. 9136, otherwise known as the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) of 2001, sought to re-structure the electric power industry by privatizing the Generation, Transmission, Distribution, and Supply of the power sector. He proposed establishing a coordinating council for power security. This collaborative approach aims to develop a strategic roadmap. The goal is to address current challenges in power distribution. This ensures a sustainable and resilient energy ecosystem for Negros Island.
3. Urgency for Resolution:
Bacolod City Councilor Kalaw Puentevella, was also present at the Forum. He echoed concerns on power reliability and its profound implications on public safety and the city’s evolution into a “Supercity.” The councilor expressed apprehensions regarding electricity expenses. He reiterated the critical need to address power interruptions promptly to prevent additional economic challenges for local enterprises.
4. Addressing Technical Challenges:
Roel Castro, President and CEO of Negros Electric and Power Corporation (NEPC), discussed the technical complexities of power distribution. He highlighted the importance of modernization and infrastructure upgrades. They also discussed plans for enhancing power supply efficiency. These plans include projects like the CNP Cebu-Negros-Panay backdoor initiative. This emphasizes the forum’s commitment to overcoming technical hurdles hindering power security.
4. Transition to a New Distribution Utility (DU):
A significant highlight of the forum was the discussion surrounding the transition to a new Distribution Utility (DU) through the joint venture agreement (JVA) between Primelectric and CENECO. The resulting entity, known as NEGROS Power, aims to address longstanding issues in power distribution and improve service delivery. This transition signifies a transformative step towards bolstering power security and reliability across the region.
5. Benefits of NEGROS Power:
NEGROS Power promises several advantages, including lower electricity rates, reduced unscheduled power interruptions, and enhanced customer service. Drawing from its successful track record in Iloilo City under MORE Power, NEGROS Power is poised to revolutionize power distribution in Negros Island, ushering in an era of efficiency and reliability.
Conclusion:
The “Negros Island Power Forum” aimed to provide a platform for stakeholders. They could collectively strategize on ways to enhance power security and reliability in Negros Island. The establishment of NEGROS Power is set to bring significant improvements to the region’s power infrastructure. This will benefit both residents and businesses, ensuring a brighter and more resilient future.
