Negros Power milestones earn praise from energy consultant

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — Former Negros Occidental governor and Provincial Consultant on Energy and Environment Rafael Coscolluela has expressed satisfaction with the performance and early milestones achieved by Negros Power during its first 16 months as the power distribution utility serving Central Negros.

Coscolluela, accompanied by representatives from various civic organizations, recently visited the Negros Power headquarters to assess the company’s operations as part of his ongoing advisory role on provincial energy and environmental concerns.

The delegation was personally toured by Negros Power President and Chief Executive Officer Roel Castro, who provided an in-depth briefing on customer care services, control center functions, helpline operations and energy trading offices.

During the visit, Castro presented the utility’s major accomplishments, including capacity upgrades, reliability and modernization initiatives, system loss reduction, expanded customer services, sitio electrification projects, corporate social responsibility programs, energy sourcing strategies, competitive power rates, renewable energy transition plans and critical infrastructure projects targeted for completion by 2026.

“We appreciate the transparency shown by Negros Power over the last two years. It is good to know what is happening on the ground—we’ve seen everything from connectors to substations. We have also observed a significant reduction in brownouts, as well as notable improvements in system loss reduction, which directly benefit consumers who ultimately shoulder these costs,” Coscolluela said.

Negros Power reported total capital expenditures of PHP 1.3 billion as of Dec. 31, 2025, reflecting the company’s stated commitment to improving power reliability, operational efficiency and public safety within its franchise area.

A significant portion of the capital outlay was allocated to reliability-focused projects, including the upgrading and modernization of substations, power lines, poles and transformers, as well as the rehabilitation and replacement of aging meters and other critical assets.

The utility also invested in advanced substation testing tools and equipment designed to strengthen system integrity and reduce the risk of power outages.

To enhance customer service, Negros Power increased investments in information technology infrastructure, software and digital platforms aimed at streamlining operations and improving customer experience.

Additional funds were allocated for office equipment, tools, furniture and fixtures, as well as the construction and improvement of the main office, sub-offices and warehouses to ensure faster response times and more efficient service delivery.

Workforce safety and development were also prioritized, with upgrades to safety equipment and personal protective equipment for field personnel, alongside increased spending on training programs, professional development initiatives and participation in industry conferences.

Negros Power has earmarked PHP 250 million for its three-year Sitio Electrification Program, which aims to achieve 100 percent electrification across its franchise area by extending electricity to underserved and remote communities through the installation of poles, power lines and transformers.

“These CAPEX investments reflect our commitment to providing reliable, safe, and efficient electricity service. This is not just about infrastructure—it’s about empowering communities, supporting economic growth, and improving the everyday lives of our consumers,” Castro said.

Coscolluela said the company’s ongoing modernization efforts and reliability improvements are expected to strengthen investor confidence and contribute to sustained economic growth across Negros Occidental, where dependable power supply remains a critical development driver.