Negros Occ. governor backs NEPC–NONECO JV plan

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson has expressed support for the proposed joint venture between Negros Electric and Power Corporation (Negros Power) and the Northern Negros Electric Cooperative (NONECO).

Lacson cited the company’s proven efficiency and capability in improving electricity services in Bacolod City and central Negros.

“I think it is a proposal by Negros Power. I will support. I’ve seen how Negros Power works here in Bacolod — we see it. You can tell they have the capital to introduce projects that improve power delivery,” Lacson said.

He explained that one of the main problems faced by electric cooperatives is the slow approval process for capital expenditure (CAPEX) projects, which hinders timely upgrading of infrastructure.

“That was always the problem of cooperatives — they need approval for CAPEX, and in most cases, it’s either not approved or there’s no action,” he added.

Lacson pointed to Negros Power’s performance in Bacolod, recalling how the company swiftly restored electricity after a major outage soon after taking over the Central Negros Electric Cooperative (CENECO) franchise.

“Do you remember when they took over, then we had that power outage? If we were still under CENECO, it could have taken months before power was restored. But because of Negros Power being a very solid company, it only took two weeks and power was back,” he said.

“For me, I am in favor [of the joint venture] because of its performance, as I have seen here in the CENECO area,” Lacson emphasized.

Support for the Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) between Negros Power and NONECO has steadily grown among local government leaders in northern Negros.

Cadiz City Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. expressed optimism about the partnership, saying any initiative that improves public service should be welcomed.

“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 he has coordinated with 2nd District Rep. Alfredo “Thirdy” Marañon III, who assured that no NONECO employees will be displaced and that current workers will be prioritized for rehiring under the joint venture.

Other local chief executives share similar views, seeing the JVA as a potential long‑term solution to chronic power supply problems, outdated infrastructure, and service inefficiencies in the cooperative system.

NONECO currently serves areas from E.B. Magalona to San Carlos City, covering about nine localities in northern Negros Occidental.

The proposed JVA also enjoys backing from consumer advocates.

Wennie Sancho, president of the Alliance of Concerned Consumers in Electricity and Social Services (ACCESS), described the partnership as a “crucial step toward modernizing power services and improving consumer welfare” in northern Negros.

“Like CENECO, NONECO’s facilities have aged through the years, and modernization is necessary. This partnership can provide the needed capital, technology, and efficiency to meet the growing demands of consumers,” Sancho said.

He cited the success of the CENECO–Negros Power joint venture, which brought faster response times, better infrastructure, cheaper rates, and greater consumer satisfaction within a year.

“Just look at Bacolod — in just a year, we have fewer brownouts, quicker response, better service, and cheaper rates. That’s the kind of progress Northern Negros consumers deserve too,” he added.

Sancho clarified that the proposed partnership is not privatization but a strategic collaboration to improve service delivery.

“This is not about privatization or conversion. It’s about bringing in expertise and investment to make electricity service more reliable, efficient, affordable, and inclusive,” he explained.

He also called for transparency and public participation, emphasizing continuous information drives and open dialogue so consumers understand the agreement’s objectives.

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

NONECO Acting General Manager Engr. Wilbe Bilbao confirmed the cooperative received a letter of intent from Negros Power last month, though formal deliberations with its board and the National Electrification Administration (NEA) have yet to begin.

Bilbao said NONECO remains open to exploring strategies to strengthen and modernize its operations.

Negros Power is a subsidiary of Primelectric Holdings Inc. and entered into a PHP 2.1‑billion joint venture with CENECO in 2023 to rehabilitate aging infrastructure.

Within a year, the company had spent PHP 1.2 billion on system upgrades without raising distribution charges.

During last year’s power outages, NONECO tapped into Negros Power’s Silay City substation to temporarily restore electricity in affected areas — a demonstration of the advantages of deeper cooperation between the two entities.