• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Negros Occidental is not yet facing a power crisis despite the frequent brownouts being experienced across the province, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said on Friday, Sept. 4.
Lacson said the prolonged power interruptions are already hurting businesses, particularly those forced to operate their own generators to keep their operations running.
“Definitely, it is bad for business,” Lacson said, noting that the use of generators adds to the operating costs of businesses.
He said the current problem is primarily on power supply rather than distribution as several power generators are either down or undergoing maintenance.
Lacson said the situation could worsen if the brownouts continue for longer periods.
“Right now, not yet,” he said when asked if Negros is already experiencing a power crisis. “Maybe if the brownouts take place much longer, maybe we can declare that.”
The governor noted that brownouts currently lasting around two to three hours could become a basis for considering a power crisis if the interruptions become significantly longer.
“I hope these power generators get back online as soon as possible,” he said.
Lacson also said Negros Occidental lacks its own baseload power supply, with the province currently relying on power coming from Panay and Cebu.
Despite calls to consider coal-fired power plants to address the supply problem, Lacson said the province remains committed to renewable energy.
He noted that many power investments in Negros Occidental are focused on renewable sources, particularly solar energy.
“That remains that way,” Lacson said.
He added that the Department of Energy is already aware of the power situation in the Visayas, citing the advisories being issued amid the supply problems. | GPB
