NEPC franchise approval to solve Bacolod brownouts, mayor says

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY—Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez said the expected approval of the franchise for Negros Electric and Power Corporation (NEPC) will alleviate the frequent power outages plaguing Bacolod City.

Residents have expressed their frustration with the daily brownouts, which often occur before noon and during nighttime, lasting a few minutes. These outages have damaged electric appliances and reportedly caused unwanted increases in power consumption.

“We are waiting for the approval of the NEPC franchise, and I have expressed my gratitude to Senator Grace Poe for sponsoring the Senate bill for approval,” Benitez said during an ambush interview at the Power Summit held at the Sanctuario de La Salle on Friday.

Benitez explained that once the franchise is approved, NEPC could invest in new equipment and facilities to replace the outdated infrastructure currently used by the Central Negros Electric Cooperative (Ceneco).

“The sooner we can do that, the better,” Benitez added. He had previously stated his intention to urge the Senate to fast-track the approval of the NEPC franchise.

On Monday, at a press conference at the Bacolod City Government Center, Benitez highlighted the urgency of modernizing Ceneco’s aging facilities due to frequent outages, especially during the soaring summer temperatures.

“The frequent outages in Ceneco’s coverage area, necessitating urgent equipment replacement, must be addressed,” Benitez stated, pointing to the joint venture between Ceneco and Primelectric, which conceived NEPC, as the crucial solution.

Power Watch Negros, a consumer group, is also advocating for the speedy approval of the Senate for the NEPC franchise and plans to undertake a signature campaign among power consumers.

Wennie Sancho, secretary-general of Power Watch Negros, announced the initiative to gather signatures from Central Negros Electric Cooperative consumers, urging the Senate to expedite the franchise approval.

“We, the consumers, are in a better position to convince the Senate because we are the ones most affected by the incessant power outages caused by the obsolete and dilapidated equipment of Ceneco,” Sancho said.

On the same day, Sancho convened a Power Consumers Conference, issuing a position paper supporting the NEPC franchise. He argued that much of the power equipment at Ceneco suffers from inadequate maintenance, which hampers critical operations.

“Power Watch Negros had previously warned Ceneco to address these issues before they worsen. Our concerns were ignored. Now, our only hope lies in the granting of the NEPC franchise,” Sancho expressed.

He described NEPC as “a beacon of hope during the darkest hours for Ceneco consumers,” emphasizing its potential to prevent Ceneco’s impending collapse.