Negros Power cuts outage frequency by 70% in 2 years

BACOLOD CITY — Negros Electric and Power Corp. (Negros Power) marked its second year of operations in Central Negros with improved electricity distribution and a renewed commitment to the communities it serves.

Negros Power began operating in August 2024 after receiving a 25-year congressional franchise covering the cities of Bacolod, Silay, Talisay and Bago and the municipalities of Murcia and Don Salvador Benedicto.

The company was established through a joint venture between Primelectric Holdings Inc. and Central Negros Electric Cooperative to serve more than 220,000 active accounts across the franchise area.

Primelectric President and CEO Roel Z. Castro said the company’s purpose extends beyond distributing electricity.

Castro said Negros Power seeks to create a lasting impact in Negros through its services and community initiatives.

In two years, the company has completed nearly half of its five-year development plan, placing its implementation ahead of initial targets.

The development program includes rehabilitating and modernizing power infrastructure across the franchise area, backed by a planned investment of PHP 2.1 billion.

Castro said the system average frequency of outages has declined by about 70 percent.

The average outage duration has also fallen by around 75 percent.

Despite the gains, Castro said Negros Power remains focused on further strengthening the distribution system’s reliability.

He clarified that recent interruptions experienced by consumers were largely caused by insufficient generation supply in the grid rather than problems within Negros Power’s distribution network.

Castro cited recurring yellow and red alerts and the resulting Manual Load Dropping when major generating plants become unavailable.

A yellow alert means the grid’s operating margin is insufficient to meet its contingency requirement, while a red alert is issued when supply cannot meet consumer demand and the grid’s contingency requirement.

Under the Philippine Grid Code, distribution utilities may be instructed to disconnect customers through Manual Load Dropping during a generation deficiency to protect the grid’s integrity.

Castro urged regional stakeholders to work together in elevating the generation-supply issue to the Regional Development Council and the national government.

He said the difficulties posed by grid constraints would not weaken the company’s commitment to its long-term presence in Negros.

“Though we are in that situation, that shouldn’t stop us from moving forward because what’s happening can be temporary, can be short term, but we are here for the long term,” Castro said.

Beyond electricity distribution, Negros Power is pursuing environmental and heritage initiatives in its service area.

These programs include mangrove planting, forest adoption and the illumination of the Negros Occidental Provincial Capitol.

Castro described the projects as part of the company’s effort to build a legacy extending beyond the life of its franchise.

He said the initiatives are also intended to contribute to the continuing development of Negros.