THE MORE Electric and Power Corporation (MORE Power) is set to present its plans on the proposed joint venture agreement (JVA) with Central Negros Electric Cooperative (Ceneco) to Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez next week.
Benitez said MORE Power will present its details and plans in the City Mayor’s Office along with the City Council next week or after Holy Week.
He said they will also invite the public to join the presentation so they can hear the plan.
"If they can lower the electricity rates, assure 24/7 power supply, and convert to renewable power, I am supportive of the JVA. We have to move forward especially, if we see a problem that needs to be addressed," the mayor said.
The mayor noted that his office received several complaints against the services of Ceneco, especially about massive brownouts and high electricity rates.
Benitez said they will also assess the track record of the proponent on what they will do here in Bacolod, and based on his discussion with Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas, where MORE Power is also serving, they are very happy with the services of the utility firm.
Acting Ceneco general manager Arnel Lapore earlier said the proposal has already been forwarded to the National Electrification Administration (NEA).
Councilor Jude Thaddeus Sayson, chairperson of the City Council committee on appropriation and finance, also earlier expressed his support on the proposed JVA.
Sayson said the Bacolodnons want good power supply service, and it’s the mandate of Ceneco to deliver an efficient and sufficient power supply here.
"If they want to improve their services, we are open to this proposal for the benefit of the people of Bacolod," he said.*