NEPC-NONECO joint venture to boost Negros power supply

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — Support is mounting for the proposed Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) between the Negros Electric and Power Corporation (NEPC) and the Northern Negros Electric Cooperative (NONECO), which aims to enhance electricity service in northern Negros.

Cadiz City Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. on Wednesday expressed optimism about the partnership, saying any initiative that improves public service should be welcomed.

“We are open to discussions with consumers and stakeholders, and we are considering all factors that could help improve electricity services in our city and neighboring areas,” Escalante said.

He added that he is awaiting more details on the proposed JVA and has been coordinating with 2nd District Representative Alfredo Thirdy Marañon III, who provided updates on the plan.

Escalante also cited Marañon’s assurance that no NONECO employees would be displaced, as existing workers will be prioritized for rehiring under the joint venture.

Several local chief executives in Negros Occidental share similar sentiments, saying that modernizing NONECO’s facilities through a public-private partnership could help stabilize power supply across the region.

NONECO currently services areas from E.B. Magalona to San Carlos City, covering about nine localities in northern Negros Occidental.

NEPC, also known as Negros Power, previously entered into a joint venture with Central Negros Electric Cooperative (CENECO) in 2023, investing PHP 2.1 billion to rehabilitate aging infrastructure.

Within a year, NEPC had already spent PHP 1.2 billion on system upgrades without increasing distribution charges.

Industry observers believe replicating this model in northern Negros could reduce power interruptions and improve service delivery to thousands of households and businesses.

During power outages last year, NONECO even tapped into NEPC’s Silay City substation to temporarily restore electricity to affected areas, highlighting the benefits of technical cooperation.

NONECO Acting General Manager Engr. Wilbe Bilbao confirmed receiving a letter of intent from NEPC last month, although formal deliberations with the board and the National Electrification Administration (NEA) have yet to begin.

Bilbao said NONECO remains open to exploring strategies to strengthen and modernize its operations.