Negros Power awaits DOE and ERC guidelines while expressing its full support for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s initiative to reduce electricity costs.
The company described the initiative as a significant step toward lowering electricity costs. It also said the move would provide meaningful relief to Filipino consumers.
During his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Marcos announced the government’s plan to remove or zero out system loss charges. He said the initiative aims to make electricity more affordable.
President Marcos has already set the policy direction. Until the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) release the official implementing guidelines, Negros Power will continue operating under the existing regulatory framework.
Negros Power Reaffirms Commitment to Comply
Negros Power Spokesperson Engr. Leomel H. Tambanillo said the company fully supports the President’s vision of lowering electricity costs while ensuring that any policy implementation remains consistent with existing laws and regulatory requirements.
“Si Negros Power, bug-os ang aton suporta sa inisyatibo ni President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. nga mapanubo ang gasto sa kuryente para sa aton mga konsumedor. Sa oras nga magpagwa ang Department of Energy kag ang Energy Regulatory Commission sang implementing guidelines ukon sang mga kinahanglanon nga regulasyon para sa pagpatuman sini nga polisiya, handa kita kag sigurado nga magatuman sing bug-os.”
Tambanillo said President Marcos has already set the policy direction. However, distribution utilities will continue operating under the current regulatory framework until the DOE and ERC issue the official implementing guidelines.
Negros Power also reaffirmed its commitment to cooperate with the National Government, the DOE, and the ERC.
The company said it will promptly implement all official directives once the agencies issue them. It will also continue complying with applicable laws and regulations.
Understanding System Loss Charges
Distribution utilities lose some electricity before it reaches consumers’ meters. This is known as system loss.
Some losses are technical. They naturally occur as electricity passes through power lines, transformers, substations, and other equipment.
Other losses are non-technical. They can result from electricity pilferage, illegal connections, meter tampering, faulty meters, and other system irregularities.
The ERC allows distribution utilities to recover system losses only within prescribed regulatory caps. Utilities generally absorb losses beyond those limits.
The government plans to remove or zero out system loss charges. The initiative aims to reduce electricity costs for consumers.
The DOE and ERC will determine how the policy will work when they release the official implementing guidelines.
Negros Power Has Continued Reducing System Loss
Since taking over power distribution operations in Central Negros, Negros Power has introduced measures to reduce system loss.
It can be recalled that the company’s system loss stood at 11.84% in August 2024. By May 2025, it had dropped to 8.03%.
The company credited sustained infrastructure upgrades and intensified anti-pilferage efforts for the reduction.
Negros Power rehabilitated power lines, upgraded distribution facilities, replaced outdated electric meters, and strengthened its campaign against illegal connections and electricity theft.
These initiatives help reduce both technical and non-technical system losses. They also improve the efficiency and reliability of the power distribution network.
Awaiting the Next Step
President Marcos has announced the government’s policy direction. The DOE and ERC will now issue the implementing guidelines.
For now, Negros Power will continue operating under the current regulatory framework. The company also reiterated its full support for the government’s initiative.
Once the DOE and ERC release the implementing guidelines, Negros Power said it stands ready to cooperate with the National Government and promptly carry out all official directives.
Negros Power also reaffirmed its commitment to provide affordable, reliable, and consumer-centered electric service. The company will continue complying with all applicable laws and regulations.
What are your thoughts on the government’s plan to remove system loss charges from electricity bills? Share your views in the comments below.
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