NEPC hits the ground running ahead of CPCN approval

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By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY—While waiting for the issuance of the Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) from the Energy Regulatory Commission to officially commence operations, Negros Electric and Power Corporation (NEPC) has begun demonstrating its commitment to efficient and immediate response to power supply incidents.

NEPC responded to an incident on Burgos Street Thursday morning, where a car hit an electric post, resulting in a power disruption in the area.

NEPC dispatched its team to remove the fallen wooden post and transfer all electric connections to a concrete post, restoring power to the affected consumers.

In an interview posted on NEPC’s social media page Wednesday, NEPC President and Chief Executive Officer Roel Castro assured that their helpline is manned 24/7.

He emphasized that all concerns addressed to the NEPC helpline will be attended to promptly.

“If you complained before that there was no one answering your concerns, this time we assure you, our helpline is on 24/7 and your concerns will be addressed,” Castro stressed.

He pointed out, “Definitely, our customer service will be an immediate area that we will make sure consumers feel.”

Castro mentioned that the 24/7 helpline is already set up and integrated with system operations, ensuring that consumer trouble calls or concerns are handled immediately.

LOWER POWER RATES

Castro also noted that NEPC is stepping into existing contracts of Central Negros Electric Cooperative (Ceneco) due to an upcoming Emergency Power Supply Agreement with generators.

He said they have negotiated with power generators to lower rates, benefiting consumers.

“Because of that, we negotiated with all the power generators to see what can be reduced,” he added.

Castro emphasized, “The whole objective is to lower the rates for the sake of the consumers.”

He mentioned that power generators have committed to making adjustments and any agreed changes will be forwarded to the ERC for approval.

Castro reiterated that NEPC is 100 percent ready to take over as all systems are in place, and once the CPCN is acquired, NEPC will officially start its operations.

The CPCN permits a utility to provide service to a new geographic area, enter a new franchise agreement, or construct and operate a new facility outside the “ordinary course of business.”

Castro highlighted that the CPCN was already approved while awaiting the franchise, which was endorsed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on July 26, 2024.