• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Alliance of Concerned Consumers in Electricity and Social Services (Access) has expressed support to the proposed joint venture agreement (JVA) between the Northern Negros Electric Cooperative (Noneco) and the Negros Electric and Power Corp. (Negros Power).
This developed as Cadiz City Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. also expressed optimism about the proposed partnership, saying that any initiative that will bring better service to the public should be welcomed.
“We are open to discussions with consumers and stakeholders, and we are considering all factors that could help improve electricity services in our city and the neighboring areas,” Escalante said.
Access president Wennie Sancho said their group conducted a series of consumer education activities in areas served by Noneco, where residents raised concerns over service reliability and electricity rates.
He noted that the proposed partnership aims to modernize Noneco’s facilities and improve power distribution efficiency in northern Negros.
In a radio interview, Escalante said he has been coordinating with Negros Occidental 2nd District Rep. Alfredo Marañon III, who relayed updates on the plan.
Noneco currently serves more than 200,000 consumers across the municipalities and cities from E.B. Magalona to San Carlos City.
The Diocese of San Carlos in Negros Occidental earlier issued a pastoral letter, calling for a careful study and discernment on the reported discussions regarding the proposed JVA.
Bishop Gerardo Alminaza said he considers it as “a pastoral duty to help guide the faithful and the broader public in approaching the issue, not with haste or emotion, but with prudence, wisdom, and a sincere concern for the common good”.
Noneco general manager Welbe Bilbao earlier confirmed they received a letter of intent for a JVA with Negros Power.
He, however, said the letter has not been deliberated by the Noneco board of directors, and must also be raised with the National Electrification Administration. | GB
