“We are exploring ways to bring down the cost of green energy in Negros Occidental”, Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, provincial consultant on economic affairs, said Tuesday, July 27.
Benitez and Rafael Coscolluela, provincial consultant on energy and environment affairs, led a pre-power summit on Monday.
They noted that green energy is more expensive than coal.
If we want to go green in Negros we have to work on finding ways to bring down the cost, he said.
They are looking at batteries to store solar generated power, Benitez said.
“The goal is to reduce power cost to benefit consumers, and allow stable and competitive rates and power supply to entice the technology industry to come here and invest ,” he said.
A power summit is likely to be held in August, Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz said.
The goal is to enable Negrenses to benefit from Negros-produced power at lower rates, Diaz said.
It seems there is enough power generated on Negros Island that is not being used, Benitez said.
Negros produces almost 600 megawatts and consumption at peak load is only 350 megawatts, he said.
Benitez said an exploratory meeting was also held with Department of Information and Communications representatives Tuesday on providing free Wi-Fi services at local government offices and public places in Negros Occidental.*