THE Central Negros Electric Cooperative (CENECO) is confident that the problem of power outages in Negros Occidental will be resolved once the new power corporation takes over.
During the Senate Committee on Public Services hearing led by Senator Grace Poe on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, CENECO’s General Manager Atty. Arnel Lapore stated that their losses continue to upsurge while the demand for electricity also increases due to the growing economy.
Lapore explained that they see the solution to CENECO’s problems in the joint venture agreement with Negros Electric and Power Corp (NEPC), which is willing to invest P2.1 billion in infrastructure and facilities once they take over.
He likewise emphasized that if CENECO’s current situation persists, it will pose a significant challenge to the cooperative as they continue to incur losses, leading to a decline in the quality of their services.
Simultaneously, Lapore assured that CENECO employees will not be disadvantaged during NEPC’s takeover, as they will receive attractive separation packages.
On the other hand, NEPC President Roel Castro assured that CENECO employees would be given priority in hiring.
Around 250 CENECO employees are already applying, Castro said.
Sen. Poe also assured CENECO employees who are facing impending job loss that they will be given benefits as they are part of the progressive change with the joint venture.
“Lahat tayo dito mayroong nakasalalay na matatamasa na benepisyo kung maging maayos ang serbisyo doon sa lugar ninyo. Huwag kayong matakot na ma-etsapwera. Dapat kasama kayo sa paglago,” Poe said during the hearing.
Facing the Senate hearing for their franchise, Castro also pledged to provide excellent service to Negros consumers, especially with the increasing businesses in the province, highlighting their successful service in Iloilo where they lowered electricity prices.
From the consumers’ perspective, Wennie Sancho, the secretary-general of Power Watch Negros Advocates, expressed the importance of investing in CENECO due to its aging equipment like transformers, causing frequent brownouts.
Sancho urged Congress to promptly approve NEPC’s franchise to alleviate the suffering of residents, business owners, and tourists in Negros.