“OFF TO A COLLECTIVE JOURNEY’: Negros Occ. Energy Roadmap Gets Support From DOE, Stakeholders

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By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY – Negros Occidental has launched the SecuRE Energy Roadmap, an ambitious strategy aimed at securing Reliable, Renewable, Accessible, Affordable, Available, and Sustainable Energy for the province by 2030 (RRAAASE-ON 2030), with backing from the Department of Energy (DOE) and various stakeholders.

Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson described the roadmap as the “beginning of a collective journey” toward achieving energy security and sustainability. He underscored its significance, saying, “The roadmap is not just a plan; it is a call to action for all Negrenses to unite and build a future where energy is sustainable, reliable, and accessible to all.”

The roadmap was presented by Rafael Coscolluela, Provincial Consultant on Energy and Environmental Concerns, during a forum at Nature’s Village in Talisay City. DOE representatives and stakeholders from the academe, business groups, and non-government organizations were present to express their support.

Coscolluela highlighted the extensive stakeholder consultations that shaped the blueprint, which outlines programs and actions to address the province’s energy challenges. “The SecuRE Negros vision is to make Negros Occidental an energy-secure province,” he said.

Despite having 510.10 megawatts of installed renewable energy capacity and 379.9 MW dependable capacity as of June 2022, Negros Occidental continues to face power outages and rising electricity costs, with locally generated renewable energy not fully consumed within the province.

The roadmap proposes solutions, including the adoption of Distributed Energy Systems (DES) and Distributed Energy Resources (DER). These decentralized systems leverage smaller, renewable energy-powered installations to serve communities, homes, and businesses efficiently.

Energy Undersecretary F.W. “Wimpy” Fuentebella praised the initiative, calling Coscolluela’s presentation “very inspiring” and well-researched. “It really inspires us to give more support to this endeavor,” he said.

The SecuRE Energy Roadmap sets ambitious targets, including a 35% renewable energy share in the province’s power mix by 2030 and 100% by 2050. It also aims for 100% electrification in Negros Occidental by 2028, reduced electricity costs, and the institutionalization of energy efficiency measures.

The plan emphasizes the development of smart and green transmission systems, harmonized local government unit energization codes, and the establishment of a Provincial Energy Code. The code aims to institutionalize and sustain energy sector reforms and promote inclusive stakeholder participation.

Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer, Negros Electric and Power Corporation President and CEO Roel Castro, and other key stakeholders signed a covenant of commitment to support the roadmap’s vision. “This is a testament to our collective commitment to ensuring power security for the province and staying at the forefront of the renewable energy revolution,” Lacson said.

The launch underscores Negros Occidental’s leadership in renewable energy and its commitment to addressing climate change through innovative and inclusive solutions.