• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Forty percent of the total power requirement of the Bacolod City Government Center is now supplied from clean and renewable energy, through the installation of solar panels, according to former city mayor-turned Representative Alfredo Abelardo Benitez.
Benitez said the formidable 400-kilowatt solar power system started in December 2024, and has since proven instrumental in curtailing the city government’s electricity consumption and, consequently, generating substantial savings in its power expenditures.
“The undeniable success and profound impact have served as a powerful catalyst, propelling a significant expansion of the program,” said the Bacolod Lone District solon, adding that the solar energy footprint has since witnessed remarkable growth.
Additional solar installations have been also integrated at the Government Center and across 16 barangays throughout Bacolod, with aggregated solar arrays now collectively boasting a capacity of 1,340 kilowatts, Benitez further disclosed.
As the Middle East conflict appears to be escalating, local government units in Negros Occidental are implementing strict power-saving measures to combat high fuel prices and energy demand, including 4-day workweeks.
The expanded renewable energy infrastructure, according to Benitez, is not only poised to generate millions of pesos in annual savings for the Bacolod City government, but also plays a pivotal role in fortifying its overall energy supply, thereby diminishing its reliance on conventional, often volatile, power sources.
Beyond the tangible technological advancements, the initiative underscores Bacolod City’s dedication to transitioning towards a cleaner, more efficient, and more sustainable future that will benefit all its residents.*
