• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Senate has started to deliberate the franchise being sought by Negros Electric Power Corp. (Negros Power), which will enable the company to establish and maintain an electric power distribution system in central Negros and ensure a continuous and uninterrupted supply of electricity in the franchise area.
Covered are the cities of Bacolod, Silay, Talisay and Bago as well as in the municipalities of Murcia and Don Salvador Benedicto in Negros Occidental.
Last month, the House of Representatives approved the granting of a franchise to Negros Power to establish, operate and maintain for commercial purposes and in the public interest, a distribution system for the conveyance of electric power to the end-users in central Negros.
The hearing on the legislative franchise application of Negros Power, among other electric cooperatives, aimed at ensuring accessible, affordable, reliable, and sustainable electricity for Filipinos, according to a statement issued by Senator Grace Poe, who chairs the Senate committee on public services.
In seeking a franchise, Negros Power earlier said it is hoping to provide a “cheaper, more efficient, and eco-friendly” electric supply to Negros and “ensure a continuous and uninterrupted supply of electricity in the franchise area.”
During the committee hearing on March 5 at the Senate, Poe emphasized the importance of responsible service delivery in the context of franchise privileges.
“A franchise is a privilege, but it also comes with the significant responsibility of providing public service,” she added.
“Therefore, it can be revoked if not exercised properly,” Poe stressed.
Poe also called on employees of the Central Negros Electric Cooperative “to be part of the growth”.
“All of us here have benefits to gain if the service in your area is done well. Don’t be afraid of being left out,” the senator said.
The hearing will allow them to scrutinize these applications and ensure that the franchise is only granted to those who are qualified and responsible to provide the public service, she added. | GB
