By ERWIN ‘AMBO’ DELILAN
THE “FINAL MARRIAGE” between Central Negros Electric Cooperative (Ceneco) and Enrique Razon-led Negros Electric and Power Corporation (NEPC) is heading for a “seamless transition”. Despite many challenges, numerous positive outcomes are anticipated.
Firstly, House Bill (HB) No. 9310, filed by Negros Occidental 4th District’s Rep. Juliet Marie Ferrer and others, allows NEPC to operate as the newest power distributor in the cities of Bacolod, Talisay, Silay, Bago, and the towns of Murcia and Don Salvador Benedicto in central Negros. This bill was approved by the House’s Committee on Legislative Franchises.
Early next year, the plenary approval of the House is expected, so HB No. 9310 can be sent to the Senate for its counterpart bill. Sen. Grace Po, chair of the Senate’s Committee on Local Franchises, is anticipated to lead this effort.
If all goes well, the consolidated bill will be presented to Malacañang for President Bongbong Marcos Jr.’s signature, thus enacting the NEPC franchise into law.
Ceneco’s Acting General Manager, Arnel Lapore, is optimistic that by March, April, or May of 2024, NEPC will finally obtain its franchise. However, he emphasized that further approval from both the National Electrification Administration (NEA) and Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is necessary for administrative and regulatory procedures.
“We still need their (NEA and ERC) final blessings,” said Lapore.
It is important to note that, with the union of Ceneco and NEPC, the former retains a 30 percent share as stipulated in the approved joint venture agreement (JVA).
First in the Philippines
The partnership between Ceneco and NEPC is uniquely groundbreaking. It is the first instance in Philippine history where an electric cooperative will be taken over by a private company. It’s also unprecedented for a highly urbanized city like Bacolod to be serviced by an electric coop for its power needs. Major cities like Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro, and Manila are serviced by private distribution utilities.
Previously, Bacolod was served by the Diaz Electric Company (DEC). However, due to political dynamics during the tenure of the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., the Diaz family lost DEC. This historical intertwining of politics and the power industry in Bacolod City is a reflection of an inescapable reality.
Now, Ceneco is transitioning from an electric cooperative to a private firm owned by renowned billionaire Enrique K. Razon. This change, though intriguing, is widely welcomed.
P2-Billion Seed Investment
To bolster Ceneco through modernization, NEPC President and CEO Roel Castro announced a P2-billion seed investment. Their primary mission is to reduce system loss at all costs.
System loss has been a pervasive issue, not only for Ceneco but for nearly all electric cooperatives. Castro is ready to take on this challenge, promising not to disappoint the people of Bacolod and Negros.
Castro emphasized that reducing system loss will lead to lower monthly power bills. To achieve this, significant investment in upgrading Ceneco’s technical systems is planned, including improvements to substations, power lines, and posts using state-of-the-art equipment and facilities.
“We’re aiming to take it to the next level,” said Castro in a media interview, adding, “We’ll do everything for the good of the power-consuming public in Bacolod and NegOcc.”
Regarding Ceneco workers, Lapore mentioned that while some will retire, many will be absorbed by NEPC, and all will receive substantial separation packages.
“Walang uuwing luhaan (No one will go home in tears),” the acting manager added.
Meter Mapping Through Geotagging
As part of the preparation for a more high-tech and comprehensive operation, Ceneco is conducting meter mapping through geotagging. Lapore emphasized, “This is part of our commitment to providing you with efficient and reliable electrical services.”
He explained that this activity aims to update records and ensure accurate billing through efficient meter reading. Technicians will verify and record meter identification details, including the geotagging of electric meters and households.
An era of change is upon us. The takeover of Ceneco by NEPC symbolizes a reachable change that will significantly benefit and advance the welfare of over 200,000 power consumers.
NEPC is committed to protecting consumer interests through reliable, sustainable, eco-friendly, yet affordable power, along with effective and efficient distribution services. Soon, power will be synonymous with affordability.
As the widely-acclaimed American entrepreneur Elon Musk once said, “The key to making things affordable is design and technology improvements, as well as scale.”/PN
