Negros Power highlights urgent need for sustainable and reliable energy at 35th VABC as it joins the 35th Visayas Area Business Conference (VABC) alongside key industry leaders and stakeholders.
The event gathered business leaders, innovators, and energy players focused on building a more resilient and future-ready Visayas. It centered on the theme “Future Forward: Shaping Sustainable and Resilient Communities and Smarter Business,” which highlighted the importance of infrastructure, innovation, and energy security in regional growth.
Rising energy demand in the Visayas
During the presentation “Powering Growth: Energy as the Engine of Visayas Trade & Investment,” Roel Z. Castro, President and CEO of Primelectric Holdings Inc., discussed the urgent need for sustainable and reliable energy at 35th VABC through the lens of rising power demand.
He emphasized that electricity demand in the Visayas is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. This growth is driven by economic expansion, industrialization, and increasing investments across Panay, Negros, Cebu, Leyte, and Bohol.
While renewable energy remains an important long-term goal, Castro stressed that the region still requires dependable baseload power to maintain stability and avoid supply shortages.
Grid challenges and supply imbalance
The discussion also highlighted ongoing Visayas grid challenges, including limited interconnection capacity, supply imbalance, and rising global fuel costs.
Negros, in particular, remains dependent on inter-island transmission corridors. It also continues to import power during peak hours despite having strong renewable energy capacity.
“The supply gap is not theoretical,” Castro stressed, citing recurring yellow alerts in the Visayas grid and the growing need for investments in dependable energy infrastructure.
He also emphasized the importance of balancing renewable energy development with practical transition strategies. This balance is necessary to protect consumers while sustaining economic activity.
Negros Power’s commitment
As an active player in the energy sector, Negros Power reaffirmed its commitment to supporting communities, industries, and businesses. It continues to focus on reliable service, modernization, and long-term sustainability initiatives.
Through its participation in the 35th VABC, Negros Power reinforces its role in discussions that aim to strengthen energy security in the region.
The company’s presence highlights the ongoing push for collaboration among stakeholders to build a stronger and more sustainable Visayas.
What balance do you think is more urgent for the region today—expanding renewables faster or strengthening baseload capacity first?
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