By Dolly Yasa
BACOLOD CITY — Negros Electric and Power Corporation (Negros Power) has unveiled its temporary office in Bacolod City, signifying its preparedness to commence operations pending national government approval.
The new office, located on the second floor of Robinsons East Mall here, will house corporate and operational employees as well as a customer care center, ensuring a seamless transition for consumers.
The opening ceremony was attended by consumer and business group leaders, Central Negros Electric Cooperative (CENECO) managers, directors, employees, and other stakeholders.
Roel Castro, President and CEO of Negros Power, highlighted the company’s dedication to consumer service.
“The opening of this office signifies our dedication to fulfilling our commitments to consumers. This office represents our headquarters and the consumers’ space,” Castro said.
Negros Power, in partnership with the CENECO, has undertaken extensive preparations for its operational launch.
These include procuring essential electrical materials, training employees, and establishing a 24/7 helpline.
Additionally, the company has reinforced its vehicle fleet with support from a sister company, MORE Power, the power distributor in Iloilo City.
Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer of Negros Occidental expressed optimism regarding the new utility, anticipating improved service delivery, affordable rates, and prompt resolution of consumer issues.
Similarly, Bacolod City Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran expects a more reliable, efficient, and cost-effective power supply for local consumers.
Power Watch Secretary-General Wennie Sancho, who attended the office blessing on June 13, commended the spacious and consumer-friendly design of the new office.
Sancho expressed that considering that thousands of electricity consumers will swarm the office soon, the structure and design of the Negros Power main office provides a very wide space to prevent congestion of people.
Sancho noted, “The structure and design of the Negros Power main office provide a very wide space to prevent congestion of people. The ambiance provides an atmosphere of assuring safety and comfort to all electricity consumers.”
This hub center of activities for the consumers and Negros Power operations in its franchise area is a manifestation of excellent and quality services which will begin at the doorsteps within the premises of the Negros Power offices. The whole area is fully air-conditioned, spacious, with an escalator which is a gesture of concern from Negros Power that the consumers are important. They must be treated with dignity and respect as partners in progress by Negros Power, he added.
With congressional approval of the franchise law for Negros Power and presidential endorsement pending, Castro anticipates operations to begin by August 2024.
“Equipment-wise, we have no problems; everything is already here. The system is in place, and only one or two installations remain, which will be completed by July 5,” Castro added.
