THE Negros Electric and Power Corporation (Negros Power) has clarified the importance of bill deposits and its option for bill deposit refunds amid the transition from the Central Negros Electric Cooperative (Ceneco).
Maricel Pe, assistant vice president for customer care of Negros Power, said the bill deposit is a mandatory and standard requirement for all Distribution Utilities (DUs) in the country, as mandated by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).
" It serves as a security measure to cover future electricity bills and ensure uninterrupted service," she said.
She added that the new consumers who applied for connection under Negros Power have already paid their bill deposit as part of the application and energization process.
For the former Ceneco consumers who still have an existing bill deposit with Ceneco, Pe said that there is an option to apply for a refund.
“This refund option is available exclusively to former Ceneco consumers with an existing bill deposit with Ceneco,” she said.
She added that Negros Power will assist eligible former Ceneco consumers in processing their bill deposit refund. Any refundable deposit will be coordinated with Ceneco and, once approved, will be transferred directly to the consumer’s current Negros Power account.
However, Pe said that not all consumers are automatically entitled to a refund — eligibility will depend on Ceneco’s evaluation of each account.
" Consumers are encouraged to visit Negros Power office first, where staff will guide them through the process, help fill out the necessary Ceneco's application form for bill deposit refund, and coordinate with Ceneco on their behalf," she said.
She added that this process is part of the Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) between Ceneco and Negros Power, which grants Negros Power the right to follow up on all concerns of its consumers with Ceneco to ensure a smoother transition including, but not limited to, bill deposit refunds.
“We want to make the transition as seamless as possible for our consumers,” Pe said. (MAP)