The Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI) organized the Negros Electric Power Forum at L’ Fisher Hotel in Bacolod City on Wednesday (March 20) aimed at addressing critical issues concerning power distribution in Negros Island.
The gathering convened key industry stakeholders alongside government officials to deliberate vital topics aimed at ensuring a robust and sustainable power supply to fuel the growth and progress of the island.
During the forum, Councilor Jude Thaddeus Sayson, speaking on behalf of Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, articulated the imperative significance of reliable electricity distribution, recounting personal experiences of appliance damage due to power fluctuations.
Stressing the need for a more efficient and dependable power supply, Sayson linked it directly to the city’s advancement and prosperity.
Frank Carbon, co-chair of Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry energy, power, and water committee and vice president of MBCCI, shared insightful observations on the power industry.
Highlighting the Electric Power Industry Reform Act, Carbon stressed the need for industry players to collaboratively work together.
He proposed the establishment of a coordinating council for power security to foster regular meetings among industry players and develop a strategic roadmap for the future.
Councilor Claudio Jesus Puentevella, chairman of the committee on energy and public utilities, echoed concerns on power reliability and its profound implications on public safety and Bacolod’s evolution into a “supercity.”
He highlighted worries about electricity costs and emphasized the urgency of resolving power interruptions to avert further economic setbacks for local businesses.
Roel Castro, president and chief executive officer of Negros Electric and Power Corporation (Negros Power), delved into the technical difficulties of power distribution, referencing past significant blackouts impacting Negros and Panay. Castro underscored the necessity of stable, continuous and cost-effective power distribution.
He outlined forthcoming plans for Negros Power, centering on regulation, standardization, and modernization to meet the escalating power demands in the region.
Castro also shed light on upcoming projects like the Cebu-Negros-Panay backdoor initiative to enhance power supply and distribution efficiency.
He emphasized the importance of load profile management, adapting energy sources to seasonal fluctuations and increasing demands. | PR
