• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Negros Electric and Power Corp. (Negros Power) has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to central Negros as it marked its second year of operations, citing significant gains in power distribution reliability while acknowledging continuing challenges in the region’s electricity supply.
Primelectric Holdings Inc. president and chief executive officer Roel Castro said Negros Power’s mission goes beyond the distribution of electricity, stressing the company’s goal of creating a lasting impact on the communities it serves.
Castro said the company has already achieved nearly half of its five-year development plan within just two years, placing it ahead of its initial targets.
Among the improvements cited were a roughly 70 percent reduction in the system average frequency of outages and a 75 percent decrease in outage duration.
Despite the gains, Castro said Negros Power remains focused on further strengthening the reliability of its distribution system.
He clarified, however, that many of the recent power interruptions experienced by consumers are not caused by the distribution system but by insufficient generation supply in the grid.
Castro pointed to recurring yellow and red alerts and the implementation of manual load dropping as indications of tight power supply, particularly when major generating plants become unavailable.
He called on stakeholders to work together in elevating the power supply issue to the Regional Development Council and the national government, emphasizing the need for broader solutions to address generation shortages.
Castro said the current supply situation should not deter Negros Power from pursuing its long-term plans in the province.
“Though we are in that situation, that shouldn’t stop us from moving forward because what’s happening can be temporary, can be short term, but we are here for the long term,” Castro said.
Beyond electricity distribution, Castro also highlighted the company’s environmental and heritage initiatives, including mangrove planting, forest adoption and the illumination of the Negros Occidental Provincial Capitol.
He said these programs reflect Negros Power’s efforts to build a legacy beyond its franchise and contribute to the sustainable development of Negros.
As the company enters its third year of operations, Negros Power said it is positioning its second-year milestone as not only a measure of progress in power distribution but also a renewed commitment to reliability, sustainability and long-term partnership with the people of central Negros. | GPB
