Consumer group backs NONECO– Negros Power partnership plan

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — A major consumer group has thrown its support behind the proposed partnership between the Northern Negros Electric Cooperative (NONECO) and Negros Electric and Power Corporation (Negros Power), calling it a vital move to modernize electricity services in Northern Negros.

Wennie Sancho, president of the Alliance of Concerned Consumers in Electricity and Social Services (ACCESS), described the joint venture as “a partnership for progress” that would address aging infrastructure and persistent service inefficiencies in the region.

Sancho said ACCESS had conducted multiple consumer education efforts across NONECO’s service areas in recent months and found a consistent demand for improved service and more affordable rates.

He emphasized that, similar to the Central Negros Electric Cooperative (CENECO), NONECO’s facilities have aged and require modernization to meet growing energy demands.

“Like CENECO, NONECO’s facilities have aged through the years, and modernization is necessary,” Sancho said.

“This partnership can provide the needed capital, technology, and efficiency to meet the growing demands of consumers,” he added.

Sancho pointed to the successful outcomes of the PHP 2.1 billion CENECO–Negros Power joint venture, including cheaper rates, better infrastructure, and faster response times, as proof of its effectiveness.

“CENECO’s experience showed that cooperation, not resistance, drives progress,” he said.

“Northern Negros can benefit from the same formula — investment, innovation, and accountability,” Sancho added.

“Just look at Bacolod — in just a year, we have fewer brownouts, quicker response, better service, and cheaper rates,” he said.

“That’s the kind of progress Northern Negros consumers deserve too,” Sancho emphasized.

He addressed opposition from some groups, clarifying that the initiative is not about privatization but about improving consumer welfare and service delivery.

“This is not only about privatization or conversion but about bringing in expertise and investment to make electricity service more reliable, efficient, affordable, and inclusive,” Sancho said.

He suggested that misinformation may be contributing to public resistance, urging open dialogue and information campaigns to clarify the proposal’s intent.

Sancho also called for transparency and continuous consultation throughout the process, stressing the importance of consumer involvement.

“Consumers must be informed and involved — this partnership should be built on trust and participation,” he said.

“Transparency and education are key to ensuring this partnership truly serves the people,” he added.

Sancho noted that NONECO serves more than 200,000 consumers from E.B. Magalona to San Carlos City, making modernization a pressing priority.

He said consumer groups like ACCESS will continue to monitor the process to protect consumer rights and ensure accountability.

“This partnership is not a threat — it’s a solution,” Sancho said.

“NONECO needs a partner like Negros Power to bring in the investment and technology that will truly serve the consumers of Northern Negros,” he added.

“Let’s move forward with cooperation, transparency, and a shared vision for progress,” Sancho concluded.

Support for the proposed joint venture agreement (JVA) is growing among local officials and stakeholders.

Cadiz City Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. said he welcomes any initiative that improves public service and confirmed coordination with 2nd District Rep. Alfredo “Thirdy” Marañon III on updates about the proposal.

“We are open to discussions with consumers and stakeholders, and we are considering all factors that could help improve electricity services in our city and neighboring areas,” Escalante said.

He added that Marañon assured him existing NONECO workers would not be displaced and would be prioritized for rehiring under the new arrangement.

Other local leaders in Negros Occidental expressed optimism that a public-private partnership could stabilize power supply and accelerate upgrades to outdated systems.

NONECO, which operates across nine localities, has already collaborated with Negros Power in the past to temporarily restore electricity via the latter’s Silay City substation during outages.

Negros Power, also known as NEPC, spent PHP 1.2 billion on upgrades within a year of the CENECO partnership, without increasing distribution charges.

Industry analysts believe replicating this model in Northern Negros could yield similar benefits, including reduced interruptions and more reliable service.

NONECO Acting General Manager Engr. Wilbe Bilbao confirmed receiving NEPC’s letter of intent and said the board and the National Electrification Administration (NEA) are expected to deliberate on it soon.

Bilbao stated that NONECO remains open to exploring strategies that will strengthen and modernize its operations.