By Dolly Yasa
BACOLOD CITY – A local power consumer group is urging the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to grant the Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) to the Negros Electric and Power Corporation (Negros Power).
The Alliance of Concerned Consumers in Electricity and Social Services (ACCESS), a Bacolod-based consumer organization, appealed to the ERC in a press statement on Tuesday. ACCESS President Wennie Sancho expressed the group’s support for granting Negros Power the CPCN, essential for operating as a legal distribution utility.
Sancho sent an appeal letter to ERC Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer Monina Demalanta, requesting the release of Negros Power’s CPCN.
He explained that a CPCN issued by the ERC to a distribution utility (DU) is crucial as it confirms the DU’s legal authority to operate and provide electricity distribution services. The CPCN ensures that the DU meets ERC standards, safeguarding public interests. “In summary, CPCN issuance is vital for DUs to operate legally, provide quality services, and ensure public trust,” Sancho said.
Sancho added, “We strongly believe that Negros Power is fully prepared and dedicated to serving the electricity consumers of Negros with strength and compassion, prioritizing the delivery of top-notch power services.”
He noted that Negros Power’s primary goal is to rehabilitate the aging power distribution system, including meter replacement and major substation upgrades, in line with its 5-year Development Plan. The first three years will focus on rehabilitation and standardization, followed by modernization and expansion in the fourth and fifth years.
By implementing this comprehensive plan, Negros Power aims to become the leading distribution utility provider in the region, delivering effective energy solutions and promoting sustainable development, Sancho said.
Sancho warned that if the ERC fails to grant the CPCN to Negros Power, it would have severe consequences for consumers.
“We will face reduced reliability due to Negros Power’s inability to upgrade and expand its infrastructure, which may lead to more frequent power outages. Additionally, without the CPCN, Negros Power may not be able to optimize operations, potentially resulting in higher costs passed on to consumers,” he explained.
He also pointed out the risk of decreased customer service without the CPCN, as Negros Power’s capacity to invest in modernization could be compromised, affecting customer engagement and support.
Sancho emphasized that power supply issues could make the Negros Island Region less attractive to investors and businesses, impacting economic growth.
He added that the failure to grant the CPCN could delay renewable energy integration, potentially increasing carbon emissions.
“Public health and safety would also be at risk because frequent power outages can impact hospitals, emergency services, and public safety,” Sancho added.
“To mitigate these risks, we, the consumers in the power industry, appeal to the ERC for the issuance of a CPCN for Negros Power to avert the imminent dangers we have enumerated,” he said.
“Our future as consumers, and as a people seeking comfort and convenience from a reliable power supply, is now in desperation,” Sancho stressed.
He further asked the ERC to consider the plight and future of over 220,000 consumers within Negros Power’s franchise area.
“We appeal for the approval of Negros Power’s CPCN for the greatest good of the greatest number of consumers in Negros Island,” Sancho concluded.
