DATA MIGRATION SNAG: NEPC Consumers Get One-Month Extension for Late Bills

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY—The migration of data from the Central Negros Electric Cooperative (CENECO) to Negros Electric and Power Corporation (NEPC) is among the reasons cited for delays in bill delivery to consumers in Central Negros.

NEPC has been inundated with complaints from consumers who reported not receiving their November 2024 bills.

Negros Power Revenue Management Department Head Lala Fernandez told the Daily Guardian on Wednesday that November marked the first billing cycle issued by Negros Power.

She explained that the company is transitioning from CENECO’s system to NEPC’s new system, which involves ongoing data migration.

Fernandez noted that while the transition has caused delays, it will ultimately benefit consumers. If there are sudden discrepancies in electricity consumption, spot bill printing is held to allow for further investigation.

“The meter is photographed to evaluate whether the reading captured in the field is accurate,” Fernandez said.

She added that another cause of delay is the condition of old meters, some of which have faded displays that make them difficult to read. These meters are also subject to investigation.

Fernandez assured consumers that billing operations are continuing for accounts that have yet to receive their bills.

Consumers who have not received their bills can send a message to the Negros Power Facebook page to inquire.

To address the issue, Fernandez said NEPC has staff working extended hours to clear the backlog of unbilled accounts. She added that as the new system stabilizes, the delivery of bills will gradually normalize.

Fernandez emphasized that no penalties will be imposed on accounts affected by late bill delivery, and no disconnections will occur. A one-month extension will also be provided for settling late bills.

For consumers who have received their bills on time, Fernandez reminded them to pay by the due date.

“Next month, if your consumption does not fall under the hold bill category, you will receive your bill on the same day your meter is read,” Fernandez said.

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) previously granted a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) to Negros Power in a Notice of Resolution dated October 16, 2024.

With the issuance of the CPCN, Engr. Leomel Tambanillo, assistant vice president for the Sitio Electrification Program, announced that Negros Power fully took over CENECO’s operations on November 11, 2024.

Starting November 16, 2024, all notices, including billing and disconnection, have been issued under Negros Power’s name. New service connections and other distribution utility transactions are now processed at the Negros Power office in Robinsons Building, Bacolod City, Tambanillo said.