AS BROWNOUTS WORSEN: Senate advances NEPC franchise bill

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — Senator Grace Poe facilitated the passage of the Negros Electric and Power Corporation (NEPC) franchise bill on its second reading during Monday’s session, amid escalating complaints about power outages in the Central Negros Electric Cooperative (Ceneco) franchise area.

In addition to NEPC, the Senate also advanced two other power franchise bills on their second reading.

House Bill Nos. 9154, 6295, and 9805 aim to grant franchises to the Romblon Electric Cooperative Inc. (ROMELCO), Leyte II Electric Cooperative Inc. (LEYECO II), and Negros Electric and Power Corporation (NEPC), respectively.

Meanwhile, frustrated Ceneco consumers have taken to social media to express their anger over the frequent power outages.

Marie Jean Lim, a businesswoman in the laundry sector, expressed her concerns about the unannounced power interruptions damaging her equipment.

“Power would go off and on unexpectedly, catching us off guard, and when the bill arrives, it’s surprisingly high,” she stated.

A home-based call center agent reported that the brownouts sometimes occur while she is handling calls, resulting in the loss of a client.

Brownouts occur more than once a day in the Ceneco franchise area.

Earlier, Poe, who sponsored the bill, underscored the significant investment involved, projecting an initial capital expenditure of P2.1 billion over the next five years by Negros Power.

She highlighted the potential for economic growth in Central Negros and assured stable rates and efficient operations by Negros Power, stating that Ceneco’s current distribution charge would not increase for the next three years following the takeover.

Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez stated that the expected approval of the franchise for Negros Electric and Power Corporation (NEPC) would mitigate the frequent power outages plaguing Bacolod City.

Benitez explained that once the franchise is approved, NEPC could invest in new equipment and facilities to replace the outdated infrastructure currently used by Ceneco.

“The sooner, the better,” he added.