BACOLOD: The Negros Electric and Power Corp. (NEPC/Negros Power) said on Tuesday that it is applying for a certificate of public convenience and necessity from the Energy Regulatory Commission to officially start operations after President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. approved its 25-year franchise on July 26.
The joint venture partner of the Central Negros Electric Cooperative (Ceneco) has been granted the right 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.
In a statement, Negros Power president and chief executive officer Roel Castro reaffirmed the company’s dedication to improving electric service and fulfilling promises to consumers.
‘We are grateful that our leaders and everyone are supporting this initiative to improve electric service for consumers. We now have the law, it’s time to walk the talk, and we are ready to serve and fulfill our promises to the consumers of central
Negros,’ he added.
Negros Power aims to establish a robust distribution system, utilizing an initial capital of PHP2 billion for a five-year plan to rehabilitate and modernize the electric infrastructure in its franchise area.
‘We seek your continued support and cooperation as we commence the five-year journey of continuous rehabilitation to enhance the system and minimize instances of unscheduled power interruptions,’ Castro said.
On July 26, the President signed Republic Act No. 12011, which grants NEPC a franchise to establish, operate and maintain an electric distribution system to the end users in central Negros, and ensure continuous and uninterrupted electricity supply.
The legislation will come into effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.
Negros Power has prepared the offices, materials, and equipment needed for its upcoming operation in August to ensure a smooth transition, Castro said.
Negros Power, which will hold a temporary office on t
he second floor of Robinsons East on Burgos St. in this city, has hired more than 200 Ceneco employees to comprise its various units.
NEPC is a joint venture company between Primelectric Holdings Inc. (PHI) and Ceneco, established to enhance power distribution and customer service to more than 220,000 active accounts.
Under the agreement, PHI acquired all power distribution assets of Ceneco valued at more than PHP2 billion, with 70 percent in cash and the remaining 30 percent as Ceneco’s share in NEPC.
Source: Philippines News Agency
