NINE months after assuming the electric distribution operations in Central Negros, Negros Electric and Power Corporation (Negros Power) reported significant improvements in infrastructure, service reliability, and consumer engagement, signaling a transformative era for local power consumers.
Roel Castro, Negros Power president and chief executive officer, delivered their report with consumers and business leaders on June 6, 2025, at the company’s main office in Bacolod City, and presented a comprehensive report detailing the company’s key achievements since starting operations in August 2024.
Castro, in a statement, said from day one, their goal has been to modernize the system, restore public confidence, and extend reliable, responsive electric service to all.
“The progress we’ve made is just the beginning of a broader transformation,” he said.
He added that among the most notable achievements in the past nine months is the complete rehabilitation of the Alijis Substation, which is now equipped with new and uprated power transformers.
Castro noted that additional improvements were carried out in other substations to enhance system capacity and resilience.
“The company also successfully rehabilitated the entire 30-kilometer Bacolod–Silay 69kV (kilovolt) sub-transmission line, replacing aging poles and installing new pin insulators,” Castro said.
He said a massive vegetation-clearing initiative complemented this effort, reducing the risks of outages and improving system reliability.
To further improve service continuity, he added that Negros Power installed Automatic Circuit Reclosers, Load Break, and Disconnect Switches, replaced bare wires with insulated lines, and added rubber inserts to minimize animal intrusions.
This resulted in a significant reduction in the frequency and duration of power interruptions.
Castro also reported that energy-efficient distribution transformers were strategically installed and uprated across the franchise area, helping manage load more effectively while improving power quality for consumers.
Castro said the company also intensified efforts to reduce system loss by initiating strict anti-electricity pilferage campaigns, ensuring accountability, and protecting legitimate consumers from losses due to illegal connections.
True to its people-first approach, he said Negros Power replaced thousands of defective and outdated electric meters with new, digital models, at no additional cost to consumers.
He added that to further improve convenience, the company activated over 100 new payment centers, dramatically increasing accessibility for bill payments.
Castro cited that the application process for new connections was streamlined, with the utility now actively assisting applicants with permit processing at the Office of the Building Official (OBO).
Negros Power also established a 24/7 customer service team accessible through dedicated helplines and Facebook Messenger, while maintaining consistent advisories and real-time service updates through social media platforms.
Castro said one of the most impactful initiatives is the Sitio Electrification Program, which has already begun energizing remote and previously unserved communities.
He said this effort involves installing new poles, transformers, and meters, providing reliable power access to areas that had long been in the dark.
“No one should be left in the dark. The Sitio Electrification Program is about progress and inclusion. We did it in 17 sitios and invested nearly 26 million pesos, benefiting 1,671 households,” Castro added.
Looking ahead, Castro said Negros Power is laying the groundwork for its modernization roadmap.
He said the utility has started implementing advanced technologies such as a centralized control center, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, drones for aerial surveys and thermal scanning, and a Geographic Information System (GIS) for asset mapping.
Real-time monitoring of response times has also been activated to improve emergency handling and maintenance work.
The Underground Distribution System project on Lacson Street is underway and expected to be completed before Bacolod's Masskara Festival in October, Castro added.
Moreover, despite the wave of infrastructure investments, Castro said Negros Power maintained the lowest average rates in the region.
He said this was achieved through strategic power supply contracting and diligent monitoring of spot market prices to secure the most competitive generation mix.
Meanwhile, Wennie Sancho, President of the Alliance of Concerned Consumers in Electricity and Social Services (ACCESS), also shared that for years, consumers suffered from unreliable service and poor communication.
He said Negros Power is changing that narrative by putting consumer welfare at the center of its operations.
Frank Carbon, co-chair of Energy and Power Committee of PCCI for Visayas and former president of the Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry, also said that stable and modern power is essential to economic growth.
Carbon said the direction of Negros Power is taking is exactly what Bacolod and the rest of Central Negros need.”
Lawyer Arnel Lapore, Ceneco general manager, also said Negros Power’s efficient management and clear vision have brought much-needed improvements.
Christian Weber, representative of Amlig Kuryente, was also impressed with the presentation.
“ I can definitely vouch that it has improved very tremendously. It’s a good presentation because there is transparency, then at least now it is clear to us. As of right now, I would like to commend Negros Power,” he said.
Lawyer Cesar Beloria, consumer rights advocate, said the report was very impressive, and improvement is far advanced.
“That is reality. That is why we’re here. We will play a proactive role. Let’s help Negros Power because it’s our distribution system,” Beloria said.
Negros Power reaffirmed its commitment to continue investing in infrastructure, modern technology, consumer care programs, and inclusive service delivery across Central Negros.
“The journey has just begun. We owe it to our consumers to deliver reliable, accessible, and affordable electricity for years to come. We are asking for the patience and understanding of consumers as we need four more years for consumers to feel the improvements of our full rehabilitation and modernization plan,” Castro said. (MAP)