A consumers’ group in Negros Occidental is urging the Energy Regulatory Commission to grant a Certificate for Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) to the Negros Electric Power Corporation for it to upgrade and expand its power infrastructure.
The Alliance of Concerned Consumers in Electricity and Social Services (ACCESS) said on Tuesday, Nov. 5, that they are appealing to the ERC to grant the CPCN to Negros Power as it is fully prepared to serve the Negrense electricity consumers of about 220,000 within its franchise area.
The position paper was submitted to ERC Chairperson Monina Dimalante on Tuesday.
ACCESS President Wennie Sancho said that the issuance of the CPCN from ERC is crucial as it confirms the distribution utility’s legal authority to operate and provide electricity distribution services.
“The CPCN ensures that the DU meets ERC’s standards safeguarding public interests”, Sancho said, adding it is vital for the DU to operate legally, provide quality services and ensure public trust.
With the non-issuance of CPCN, ACCESS said that it will affect power reliability, modernization, economy, and environment conservation.
Sancho said that with Negros Power having no CPCN, it would not be able to upgrade and expand its infrastructure, which would lead to more power outages.
He also stated if the power utility provider will not invest in modernization, the Negros Island Region may become less attractive to investors and businesses.
Negros Power will also delay renewable energy integration that may increase carbon emission, ACCESS also said.*