The Negros Power Corporation (NEPC) is set to take over the operations of Central Negros Electric Cooperative (CENECO) by mid-August after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has granted the franchise granted to NEPC.
Negros Power President and CEO Roel Castro confirmed that Republic Act No. 12011, granting NEPC the franchise has been signed into law on July 26.
Castro said consumers can expect improved service under NEPC, with the company implementing a 24/7 hotline support system and deploying 15 teams for immediate response to power troubles.
While reducing power charges may take time, NEPC is committed to working towards more affordable electricity rates, he added.
Castro anticipate a smooth transition of operations with at least 200 CENECO employees moving to NEPC.
Castro has expressed his gratitude for the support of the President, lawmakers, consumers, and local leaders. He emphasized the company’s dedication to fulfilling its promises to the public.
The new law authorizes NEPC to manage and operate the electricity distribution system in the cities of Bacolod, Bago, Talisay, and Silay, as well as the municipalities of Murcia and Don Salvador Benedicto, serving over 220,000 electric consumers.
With an initial capital of Php2 billion, NEPC aims to rehabilitate and modernize the power distribution infrastructure within the next five years. The company is committed to improving power service reliability and reducing unscheduled power interruptions.
The bill originated in the House of Representatives and was introduced by Negrense Representatives Stephen Paduano, Jose Francisco Benitez, Juliet Marie Ferrer, and Greg Gasataya. It was approved by the House on February 21, 2024, amended by the Senate on May 20, 2024, and further concurred by the House on May 22, 2024, before being forwarded to the Office of the President.
Castro said the take over will commence once they have secured a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).
