• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Negros Power is now 100 percent ready to serve its consumers, as soon as it is given the signal to operate, declared its president, Roel Castro.
The 25-year franchise sought by the Negros Electric Power Corporation, following its approval by Congress, is now in Malacañang, for approval by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Castro yesterday said they are targeting to serve their clients by August 1, or even earlier.
House Bill 9805 aims to grant a franchise for NEPC to take over the power distribution system in cities of Bacolod, Bago, Talisay, Silay and the municipalities of Murcia and Salvador Benedicto, from the Central Negros Electric Cooperative (CENECO), through a Joint Venture Agreement.
The temporary office and business center of Negros Power is located at the 2nd Floor of Robinson’s East, along Burgos Avenue in Brgy. Villamonte, Bacolod City.
“Equipment-wise, there is no problem. Except for one or two minor systems to be installed on July 5. All the rest are in place,” disclosed Castro.
In terms of people, he said bulk will come from CENECO.
“Whoever is absorbed will be trained and oriented, to ensure that on Day 1 of operations, everybody is ready” he added.
Castro and Ma. Cecilia Pe, assistant vice president for Customer Care, led the local media for a tour of temporary Negros Power office, including the Customer Care Center – a place where consumers can expect a serene and accommodating customer service experience, as well as its Business Operations Center.
This modern consumer hub is fully air-conditioned, spacious, and aims to showcase the standards of quality customer service.
Negros Power is investing P2.1 billion in capital expenditures to put up “cutting-edge and top-of-the-line systems” for a better consumer experience, Castro said.*
