Negros Power flags urgent need for reliable Visayas energy

Negros Power called for dependable and balanced energy solutions to sustain economic growth in the Visayas, citing rising power demand and recurring supply alerts during the 35th Visayas Area Business Conference (VABC).

The conference carried the theme “Future Forward: Shaping Sustainable and Resilient Communities and Smarter Business,” with discussions centered on infrastructure, innovation, and energy security as drivers of regional growth.

Roel Z. Castro, president and CEO of Primelectric Holdings Inc., delivered the presentation “Powering Growth: Energy as the Engine of Visayas Trade & Investment,” where he flagged the rapidly growing power demand in the region and the urgent need for dependable energy solutions.

Castro said the Visayas’ projected power demand is expected to rise significantly in the coming years, driven by economic expansion, industrialization, and increasing investment opportunities across Panay, Negros, Cebu, Leyte, and Bohol.

He stressed that while renewable energy remains an important long-term goal, the region also requires reliable baseload power to ensure stability and prevent supply shortages.

Castro also discussed the challenges affecting the Visayas grid, including limited interconnection capacity, supply imbalance, and rising global fuel costs.

According to the presentation, Negros remains highly dependent on inter-island transmission corridors and imports power during peak hours despite its strong renewable energy capacity.

“The supply gap is not theoretical,” Castro said, citing recurring yellow alerts in the Visayas grid and the growing need for investments in dependable energy infrastructure.

He reiterated the importance of balancing renewable energy development with practical and sustainable transition strategies to protect consumers and support continuous economic activity.

Negros Power reaffirmed its commitment to powering communities, industries, and businesses through reliable service, continuous modernization, and long-term sustainability initiatives.

The distribution utility said its participation in the 35th VABC reflects its support for collaborative efforts aimed at building a stronger, smarter, and more sustainable Visayas.