The Negros Electric and Power Corp. presented its 5-year development plan, which includes replacing aging substation transformers and power lines to prevent perennial power outages in its coverage area, at Seda in Bacolod City on Wednesday, Sept. 11.
Roel Castro, Negros Power president and chief executive officer, presented their P2.5 billion development plan to officials of Negros Occidental, the cities of Bacolod, Talisay, Silay, and Bago, and the municipalities of Murcia and Don Salvador Benedicto.
Under the 5-year development plan Negros Power commits to undertake massive rehabilitation work in the first three years and modernization and expansion on the 4th to 5th years, Castro said.
Castro also assured that there will be no power interruptions during the MassKara Festival in Bacolod City in October.
He said the bidding for the Negros Power underground distribution system will be in November and they expect that the first kilometer along Lacson Street will be completed in May 2025.
Castro also assured that Negros Power’s distribution rates will not increase in the next two years, but stressed that they do not have control over generation rates from power suppliers.
He said they also aim to achieve a 70 percent reduction in systems loss contributed by metering inaccuracy in five years. The target is to replace about 50,000 meters.
About P250 million will also spent for their three-year Sitio Electrification Program, Castro added.
Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez said he will hold Negros Power to its word, on its execution of its 5-year development plan.
He also expects cheaper power rates and less power interruptions with the improvement of the Negros Power distribution system.*