Negros Occidental Signs Solar Deal to Save PHP404 Million

BACOLOD CITY – Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson has signed a power purchase agreement with WeGen Energy Philippines Inc. for a 1,270-kilowatt rooftop solar project that is projected to save PHP404.5 million over 25 years.

The agreement was signed Monday at the Governor’s Office in the Provincial Capitol, with WeGen Vice President for Sales and Operations Orlando Alparce representing the company.

Also present were Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz, WeGen representatives Daniel Del Rosario Jr. and Anthony Padasas, Atty. Jessa Genteroles and Atty. Arman Davis Pehid of the Provincial Legal Office, PGNO Electrical Consultant Jalssen Dumancas, and PGNO Electrical Engineer Ann Janiloe Diamante.

Under the agreement, WeGen will install solar panels with a total capacity of 1,270.50 kilowatt-peak across several provincial government-run facilities.

These include hospitals in Kabankalan and Himamaylan, the Provincial Capitol, Negros First Cyber Centre, Negros Residences, and the Food Terminal Market of Occidental Negros.

The project supports the Inter-Agency Energy Efficiency and Conservation Committee’s directive through Department of Energy Resolution No. 8, series of 2023, requiring government entities to source at least 20 percent of their energy from renewable sources.

The province’s solar project is expected to meet at least 40 percent of its power needs, saving approximately PHP9.64 million annually and producing 1,690,833 kilowatt-hours each year.

The total renewable energy generated is enough to power about 5,318 homes for one year.

The project will also prevent 25,521 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions over 25 years, equivalent to planting 421,987 trees.

It will offset the use of 2.5 million gallons of diesel and avoid the burning of 28.3 million pounds of coal.

The provincial government, along with stakeholders, also launched SecuRE Negros, a renewable energy roadmap for the province.

Through rooftop solar projects, the government aims to lead by example and turn clean energy commitments into action.