• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has granted the Negros Electric and Power Corp. (NEPC) a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) in a Notice of Resolution dated Oct. 16.
With the grant of the CPCN, the NEPC, also known as Negros Power, is now authorized to begin operations as the distribution utility for its franchise area, including the cities of Bacolod, Silay, Talisay and Bago as well as the municipalities of Murcia and Don Salvador Benedicto.
A CPCN is a type of regulatory compliance certification for public service industries. Private companies wishing to provide essential public services must be granted a CPCN before constructing facilities and offering services.
The CPCN ensures that the distribution facility (DU) meets ERC’s standards, safeguarding public interests.
“In summary, the CPCN issuance is vital for the DUs to operate legally, provide quality services and ensure public trust,” Wennie Sancho, president of the Alliance of Concerned Consumers in Electricity and Social Services, said.
In a public notice, Negros Power said that in its continued efforts to enhance accessibility and convenience for customers, its customer care centers will open on Nov. 11.
These are located at Robinson East in Bacolod City; Lopue’s Supermarket at Barangay Salvacion in Murcia; New Silay Lumber Enterprises building in Barangay Lantad, Silay City; Don Vicent G. Jocson Commercial Building at Paseo Mabini Avenue in Talisay City; and soon to open at Sarmiento Street Extension in Bacolod City.
It also retained the Central Negros Electric Cooperative customer care centers at Mabini Street in Bacolod City; Salvador Benedicto-Rizal Streets in Murcia; Cinco de Noviembre Street in Silay City; N.N. Araneta Street in Barangay Poblacion, Bago City; and Bonifacio Street in Talisay City.
Negros Power is also encouraging online payments of electric bills. | GB
