Ceneco consumers back electric power distribution privatization

By Dolly Yasa

The push for improved electric power services in Bacolod City and other areas of Central Negros has taken a decisive turn as community association chairpersons voiced their resounding support for the privatization of electric power distribution, endorsing the Negros Electric and Power Corporation (NEPC) to take the helm.

Frustration with Central Negros Electric Cooperative (CENECO) has reached a crescendo, with consumers openly decrying the utility’s services.

Jesben Duday of Parents of Purok Riverside Incorporated articulated the community’s exasperation, “CENECO, as an Electric Cooperative distribution utility, miserably failed to provide us with adequate power supply…” highlighting the disruptions experienced by consumers due to frequent blackouts and power outages.

This sentiment of discontent is mirrored by Julie Alob from the Banago Yuhom Takers Association, who lamented the financial impact of CENECO’s high systems loss on the electricity rate charges borne by consumers. The grievances extend beyond financial woes, touching on the essential role of electricity in daily life.

“Without power or energy, there is no water supply for drinking, personal hygiene, and daily chores at home,” emphasized Nona Dela Cruz of the Tinagong Paraiso Empowered Women’s Organization, shedding light on how power interruptions compromise family safety and security.

The narrative of dissatisfaction continued with Jun Mart Tan of Mahimulaton Home Owners Association, who pointed to the Electric Cooperative’s poor customer service as a source of considerable inconvenience for the consumers.

In a united front, the chairpersons have made it clear that the rehabilitation of CENECO’s infrastructure is imperative, and they see privatization as the pathway to enhanced services.

The advocacy for change gained traction when the homeowners-consumers, with their collective voice, supported NEPC’s Congressional franchise application, seeking a shift that would minimize power outages and frequency disturbances that have plagued their daily lives.

Previously reported by Daily Guardian, the joint venture between CENECO and NEPC was overwhelmingly approved in a plebiscite, setting the stage for a significant transformation in the region’s electric power distribution landscape. Primelectric Holdings Incorporated, the parent company of NEPC, proposed to acquire CENECO’s electric distribution assets, with a plan to inject the necessary financial and technical resources to overhaul and modernize the system.

NEPC’s acquisition, structured as 70 percent cash and 30 percent share, is contingent on the receipt of a congressional franchise to operate in key cities and municipalities of Negros Occidental.