NEGROS Electric and Power Corporation (Negros Power) has significantly reduced its system loss rate through an intensified anti-pilferage campaign and sweeping technical upgrades, bringing the figure down from 11.84 percent in August 2024 to 8.03 percent by May 2025.
Roel Castro, Negros Power president and chief executive officer, said this dramatic drop puts the utility below the Energy Regulatory Commission’s (ERC) interim cap of 8.25 percent—signaling substantial progress in improving energy efficiency and curbing losses due to electricity theft and system irregularities.
He said that between November 2024 and June 25, 2025, the company uncovered 789 illegal connections and 1,156 unauthorized load-side connections.
“Thanks to 1,704 enforcement operations, we achieved 96 percent of our inspection targets,” he added.
As part of its broader System Loss Reduction Program (SLRP), Negros Power also replaced 13,308 outdated meters to modernize customer metering.
“Our strategy is clear—clean up the grid, modernize our systems, and uphold accountability,” Castro said.
“These numbers show real impact, and this is just the beginning. Progress happens when the community works with us. Report anomalies. Be vigilant. Help us build a transparent, reliable power network for all.”
Castro also called on the public to play an active role in building a fairer energy system.
For his part, Engineer Edwin Montemayor, System Loss Reduction consultant, said this is more than enforcement—it’s about ensuring every household enjoys fair, stable, and safe electricity.
He said the campaign includes the deployment of 153 check meters and continuous monitoring across key barangays to swiftly detect anomalies.
“Legal action has also begun, with two criminal cases already filed against persistent offenders,” he added.
Negros Power assured consumers that its anti-pilferage campaign, infrastructure upgrades, and public engagement initiatives will continue to restore integrity, trust, and efficiency across Central Negros. (MAP)