In a key step towards energy security and sustainability, the provincial government of Negros Occidental, through the Office of Rafael Coscolluela, provincial consultant on Energy and Environmental Concerns, held a power development roadmap finalization workshop Oct. 7-8, at the University of St. La Salle.
The workshop gathered representatives from the Department of Energy and local distribution utilities (DUs) to discuss the role of DUs in the Just Energy Transition through the SecuRE Negros Campaign of the provincial government.
The DOE highlighted the province’s power systems, exploring how renewable energy could shape the future of generation, transmission, and distribution.
The DUs, including the Negros Electric and Power Corporation, Negros Occidental Electric Cooperative, and Northern Negros Electric Cooperative presented projections of future energy demand and outlined their plans to meet it through renewable sources, the Capitol said in a statement Oct. 9.
Discussions also focused on renewable energy mechanisms, such as net-metering, which allows consumers to sell excess power back to the grid; the Green Energy Option Program, enabling consumers to choose RE sources; and the Green Energy Auction Program, which facilitates competitive bidding for RE projects.
These programs offer opportunities for both consumers and local government units to actively participate in the province’s energy transition, the Capitol said.
Also present were members of the Provincial Power Security Study Group, created in 2021 to assess the province’s current power situation, and propose policy measures based on the Negros Occidental Power Sector Assessment Study.
The workshop is one of the final steps in finalizing the Provincial Energy Roadmap, which is poised to lead Negros Occidental toward a sustainable and inclusive future for energy security.
The roadmap emphasizes a whole-of-society approach, integrating the efforts of DUs, private corporations, and grassroots communities to ensure an equitable transition for all.
Once finalized, the Capitol said this roadmap will serve as a blueprint for Negros Occidental’s long-term energy security, driving sustainable development and community resilience. ||
