On Wednesday, the Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI) organized the “Negros Island Power Forum” at L’Fisher Hotel, which was aimed at addressing critical issues concerning power distribution in Negros Island.
According to a press release from the organizers, the gathering convened key industry stakeholders alongside government officials to deliberate vital topics aimed at ensuring a robust and sustainable power supply to fuel the growth and progression of the island.
During the forum, Bacolod City Councilor Thaddy Sayson, speaking on behalf of Mayor Albee Benitez, articulated the imperative significance of reliable electricity distribution, recounting personal experiences of appliance damage due to power fluctuations. Stressing the need for a more efficient and dependable power supply in Bacolod City, Sayson linked it directly to the city’s advancement and prosperity.
Frank Carbon, Co-Chair of PCCI Energy, Power, and Water Committee, and Vice President of MBCCI, shared insightful observations on the power industry. Highlighting the EPIRA law, Carbon stressed the need for industry players to collaboratively work together. He proposed the establishment of a coordinating council for power security to foster regular meetings among industry players and develop a strategic roadmap for the future.
Bacolod City Councilor Kalaw Puentevella also echoed concerns on power reliability and its profound implications on public safety and the city’s evolution into a “Supercity.” He highlighted worries about electricity costs and emphasized the urgency of resolving power interruptions to avert further economic setbacks for local businesses.
Roel Castro, President and CEO of Negros Electric and Power Corporation (NEPC) or Negros Power, delved into the technical difficulties of power distribution, referencing past significant blackouts impacting Negros and Panay. Castro underscored the necessity of stable, continuous, and cost-effective power distribution. He outlined forthcoming plans for Negros Power, centering on regulation, standardization, and modernization to meet the escalating power demands in the region.
Additionally, Castro shed light on upcoming projects like the CNP Cebu-Negros-Panay backdoor initiative to enhance power supply and distribution efficiency. He emphasized the importance of Load Profile management, adapting energy sources to seasonal fluctuations and increasing demands.
Looking ahead, the industry’s focus lies on strengthening regulations, improving monitoring systems, and cracking down on illegal connections to enhance overall power security and reliability in Negros Island. The collaborative efforts showcased during the Negros Island Power Forum symbolize a promising step towards a more sustainable energy future for the city and its residents, the press release concluded.*
