By ERWIN ‘AMBO’ DELILAN
BACOLOD CITY and the province of Negros Occidental are currently under “power stirring”.
Almost all nooks and corners are abuzz with the much-talked proposed joint venture agreement (JVA) between Central Negros Electric Cooperative (Ceneco) and MORE Electric and Power Corporation.
It is stirring people’s curiosity, leading to kinda “sheer excitement”. “A game changer” for some energy stakeholders. There’s a “healthy discussion” right now anywhere you go.
Question: Is JVA for Ceneco allowed or not?
Under Republic Act (RA) 10531 otherwise known as the National Electrification Administration (NEA) Act of 2013, such is legally permissible.
Under Section 21 (c) of the said statute, NEA can really exercise its step-in rights over any “ailing” electric cooperative (EC) in the country.
Provided, however, it may only enter into partnerships with private sector investor(s) under any of the eight specified frameworks. And JVA is one of them.
Meaning, NEA is empowered by law to meddle. So, really, it has “a say” on JVA.
However, is Ceneco ailing? Not yet!
But it’s currently struggling, thus, perceived to be nearing to it. Why?
As I said before, based on insider’s info, Ceneco’s current system loss at 10.30 % per month is indirectly “eating” its revenues. It costs Ceneco around P20-M/month (in losses). Pitiable, right?
Now, is it timely and relevant for Ceneco to look for potential private investor(s) willing to boost its capability?
Yes!
A more or less P240-M losses every year just because of system loss ain’t healthy anymore. Many things will be compromised. Many, specially the consumers, “will suffer”. Worse, if this system loss brouhaha will become chronic, consumers will “get the short end of the stick”.
‘I AM LISTENING NOW’
Sought for comment, former governor Lito Coscolluela refused to cast yet his personal stance on the matter.
“At this time, it is difficult to comment on the proposed JVA for lack of relevant details,” said Lito, the capitol consultant on energy and environmental concerns.
But he has this wisdom: “What we should insist on is the consumers’ right to know.”
So, he stressed, “I urge the Provincial Government and affected local government units (LGUs), together with NEA and ERC (Energy Regulatory Commission), to lead the conduct of public hearings so that we will know what the proponent(s) are offering and then consider all the issues that may surface.”
Lito is currently one among those advocating an energy-secure Negros Island.
Meanwhile, good to note that Ceneco Board President Jojit Yap said, “I am listening now.”
She added, “I think we just need to push for consultation(s) with our stakeholders para ma-discuss deeper ang mga concerns, and maybe come up with realistic counter proposals.”
‘LONG-CHERISHED DREAM’
The Wennie Sancho-led Power Watch Negros, Inc. (PWNI), on the other hand, has “high expectations” on the proposed JVA.
In a press conference on March 20, Sancho stressed they hope for the realization of their “long-cherished dream” of efficient services for the consumers through the JVA.
They also expect a robust power distribution to be complemented by a state-of-the-art control system.
Almost all Ceneco’s substations are currently in rundown condition. They’re nearing their maximum capacity. It’s “critical” to those with fast or fastest growing economy. To upgrade substations is “too costly”.
Bacolod and NegOcc., with continued growing demand on power supply, can’t afford to settle with old and dilapidated power substations. Thus, this is the premise why almost all local chief executives within the Ceneco franchise areas welcome the JVA sans hesitation. They’re receptive to the idea.
Ceneco, at present, is servicing Bacolod City, Silay City, Talisay City, Bago City, Murcia and Don Salvador Benedicto towns.
‘LOW MORALE’
Ceneco’s workers, however, are divided on the planned JVA. Majority of the officers and members of the Ceneco Union of Rationale Employees (CURE) are “afraid” to lose their jobs. Hence, they’re in “low morale”.
Other Board officials are uncertain, too, with their stand. They’re in a wait-and-see status.
“Factions” of pro and anti JVA have started to build up. But it’s a normal thing. The mixed feelings are explicable. Really, everyone needs an assurance re: Job retention. But at the end of the day, what matters most: Performance!
With MORE, as far as I know, job retention is (always) an utmost priority. So, for as long as you perform, there’s nothing to worry. Be more excited, instead./PN
