• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Negros Power reports having invested P1.3 billion in capital expenditures (CAPEX) as of December last year, to improve power reliability, efficiency, and safety throughout its franchise area in central Negros.
The investments reflect Negros Power’s long-term vision to modernize the power distribution system and deliver better, more dependable service to consumers, with most significant portion of the CAPEX was directed toward reliability-focused projects, a statement from Negros Power said.
These include the upgrading and modernization of substations, power lines, poles, and transformers, as well as the rehabilitation and replacement of aging meters and other critical infrastructure.
The company also invested in modern substation testing tools and equipment to ensure system integrity and reduce the risk of outages.
To further enhance customer service, the distribution utility also allocated substantial resources to IT infrastructure, software, and digital tools designed to streamline operations and improve the overall customer experience. Additional investments supported office equipment, tools, furniture, fixtures, and the construction and improvement of the main office, sub-offices, and warehouses – aimed at achieving faster response times and more efficient service delivery.
Recognizing the critical importance of safety, the company also invested in modern safety equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE) for field personnel. At the same time, investments in human capital – through training programs, professional development initiatives, and industry conferences – highlight Negros Power’s commitment to building a skilled, competent, and safety-conscious workforce.
Negros Power also allocated P250 million for its three-year Sitio Electrification Program, which aims to achieve 100 percent electrification across its franchise area.
The program extends electricity access to underserved and remote communities through the installation of poles, power lines, and transformers, supporting inclusive growth and community development.
Roel Castro, Negros Power president and CEO, said these investments are part of a broader strategy to build a resilient, modern, and customer-focused power distribution system.
“Our CAPEX investments reflect our commitment to providing reliable, safe, and efficient electricity service. This is not just about infrastructure—it’s about empowering communities, supporting economic growth, and improving the everyday lives of our consumers,” Castro said.
The milestones achieved by Negros Power during its first 16 months of operations as the power distribution utility in Central Negros, also got praise from former Negros Occidental Governor Rafael Coscolluela.
“We appreciate the transparency shown by Negros Power over the last two years. It is good to know what is happening on the ground—we’ve seen everything from connectors to substations. We have also observed a significant reduction in brownouts, as well as notable improvements in system loss reduction, which directly benefits consumers who ultimately bear these costs,” Coscolluela said in the statement issued by the distribution utility.
Coscolluela, who is now a consultant on Energy as well as Environment of the Negros Occidental provincial government, and representatives from various civic groups and the Bacolod Social Action Center, recently visited the Negros Power headquarters along Lacson Street in Bacolod City.
Castro briefed them with a comprehensive look into the company’s day-to-day operations, including customer care services, the control center, helpline, and energy trading offices.
He also presented the company’s key accomplishments, highlighting capacity upgrades, reliability and modernization programs, system loss reduction, expansion of customers and services, sitio electrification initiatives, corporate social responsibility efforts, energy sourcing and power rates, transition strategies toward renewable energy, and the ongoing rollout of critical infrastructure projects scheduled for completion by 2026.
Coscolluela said the Negros Power’s achievements and continued modernization efforts are expected to attract more investors to the province, further boosting progress and economic growth across Negros Occidental.*
