Negros Power clarifies bill deposit policy for consumers

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY – Negros Electric and Power Corp. (Negros Power) has clarified its policy on bill deposits and outlined the refund process for former Central Negros Electric Cooperative (CENECO) consumers as part of the ongoing transition between the two utilities.

Negros Power Assistant Vice President for Customer Care Maricel Pe said bill deposits are a standard requirement for all distribution utilities nationwide, as mandated by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).

She explained that the deposit serves as a security measure to cover future electricity bills and ensure uninterrupted service.

Pe said new customers applying for connection under Negros Power have already paid their bill deposit as part of the application and energization process.

For former CENECO consumers who still have an existing bill deposit with the cooperative, Pe said there is an option to apply for a refund.

“This refund option is available exclusively to former CENECO consumers with an existing bill deposit with CENECO,” she said.

Negros Power will assist eligible consumers in processing their refund applications, which will be coordinated with CENECO.

Once approved, the refundable amount will be transferred directly to the consumer’s current Negros Power account.

However, Pe stressed that not all former CENECO consumers are automatically entitled to a refund, as eligibility will depend on CENECO’s evaluation of each account.

Consumers are encouraged to visit Negros Power offices, where staff will guide them through the process, assist in filling out the required CENECO application form, and coordinate with the cooperative on their behalf.

The process forms part of the agreement between CENECO and Negros Power, which authorizes the latter to follow up on all consumer concerns with the cooperative, including bill deposit refunds.

“We want to make the transition as seamless as possible for our consumers,” Pe said.