ACCESS backs Negros Power–NONECO power partnership

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — The Alliance of Concerned Consumers in Electricity and Social Services (ACCESS) expressed support for a proposed partnership between Negros Electric and Power Corp. (Negros Power) and Northern Negros Electric Cooperative (NONECO), saying it could improve electricity service in Northern Negros.

In a press statement dated Jan. 11, ACCESS President Wennie Sancho said the planned collaboration will be undertaken through a Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) as consumers continue to raise concerns over inefficient service and inadequate power supply amid growing demand.

Sancho said the proposal draws confidence from an earlier collaboration between Negros Power and Central Negros Electric Cooperative, which he described as a model that produced tangible consumer benefits.

He said ACCESS, together with Power Watch Negros, is assisting consumers in Northern Negros in strengthening the formation of the Association of Consumers in Northern Negros (ACNN) to support initiatives aimed at ensuring affordable and reliable electricity.

Sancho said ACCESS supports the partnership due to expected benefits that include infrastructure upgrades, improved efficiency, and enhanced reliability of power supply.

He said Negros Power’s technical expertise could help modernize NONECO’s facilities, reduce outages, and improve service quality.

Sancho said the partnership could also lead to more responsive and accountable service delivery by introducing innovative solutions and best practices from the energy sector.

A stronger ACNN would give consumers a unified voice so their interests are represented in decisions related to the proposed partnership, he added.

“This collaboration has the potential to establish a more robust and consumer-centered power service framework in Northern Negros.”

He said the proposal aligns with the goals of ACCESS and ACNN to promote efficient, reliable, and accessible electricity service.

Negros Power began operating in Central Negros after entering into a joint venture arrangement with Central Negros Electric Cooperative, following a member-consumer ratification process.

In 2024, Negros Power secured a 25-year congressional franchise covering Bacolod, Silay, Talisay and Bago cities, as well as the municipalities of Murcia and Don Salvador Benedicto in Negros Occidental.

On the proposed Northern Negros partnership, NONECO management has acknowledged receiving a letter of intent for a joint venture proposal from Negros Power.