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Early Gains, Real Impact: Why Negros Power’s First 16 Months Matter to Consumers
For ordinary households and businesses across Central Negros, power reliability is not an abstract issue. It affects daily routines, safety, livelihoods, and costs. That is why the strong endorsement given to Negros Power after just 16 months of operations carries real weight—especially when it comes from people who understand the province’s long-standing energy challenges.
Former Negros Occidental governor and Provincial Consultant on Energy and Environment Rafael L. Coscolluela Jr. recently expressed satisfaction with the company’s progress, noting that improvements are no longer promises on paper but changes that consumers can already feel.
Seeing the Work, Not Just Hearing About It
Coscolluela, together with representatives from civic organizations and the Bacolod Social Action Center, visited the Negros Power headquarters along Lacson Street. Instead of a ceremonial tour, the delegation was shown the heart of daily operations—customer care offices, the control center, the helpline, and energy trading units.
Led by Negros Power President and CEO Roel Z. Castro, the visit focused on transparency: how decisions are made, how complaints are handled, and how outages are monitored and addressed.
For consumers, this matters. Transparency builds trust, especially in a sector where people directly feel the consequences of inefficiency through brownouts and higher bills.
What Has Changed on the Ground
One of the clearest takeaways from the visit was the visible reduction in brownouts. According to Coscolluela, system improvements are already translating into fewer interruptions and better overall stability.
Equally important is system loss reduction. When losses are high, consumers end up paying for electricity that never reaches their homes. Improvements in this area mean fairer costs and a more efficient distribution system—benefits that directly affect monthly electric bills.
₱1.3 Billion Invested: Why This Is Important for Consumers
As of December 31, 2025, Negros Power has invested ₱1.3 billion in capital expenditures. This level of spending signals a long-term commitment, not short-term fixes.
Where the money went:
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Reliability upgrades: Modernization of substations, power lines, poles, and transformers to prevent outages before they happen.
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Replacement of aging equipment: Old meters and critical components were rehabilitated or replaced to ensure accurate readings and safer connections.
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Better testing and monitoring: New tools and equipment help detect issues early, reducing the risk of large-scale power interruptions.
For consumers, these are not technical details—they are the difference between stable electricity and recurring disruptions.
Faster, More Responsive Customer Service
Negros Power also invested heavily in IT systems and digital tools. These upgrades aim to make customer service faster and more efficient, whether it’s reporting a problem, following up on a request, or accessing services.
Improved offices, sub-offices, and warehouses mean quicker dispatch of crews and faster response times. When power issues arise, speed matters—and these investments are designed to cut delays that consumers often complain about.
Safety First: Protecting Workers and the Public
Power distribution is a high-risk job. Investments in modern safety equipment and personal protective gear for field personnel help prevent accidents that can endanger both workers and communities.
Beyond equipment, Negros Power has prioritized training and professional development. A well-trained workforce is not just safer—it is more capable of resolving issues correctly the first time, minimizing repeat problems that inconvenience consumers.
Bringing Power to the Last Mile: Sitio Electrification
One of the most people-centered initiatives is the ₱250 million, three-year Sitio Electrification Program. The goal is simple but transformative: 100 percent electrification within the franchise area.
By extending lines, installing poles, and adding transformers in remote and underserved communities, Negros Power is helping bring electricity to families who have waited years for it. This supports education, livelihood opportunities, and overall quality of life—especially in rural areas.
Why This Matters Beyond Electricity
Reliable power is a foundation for growth. Coscolluela noted that continued modernization and visible progress in the power sector make Negros Occidental more attractive to investors.
For residents, this can mean more jobs, stronger local businesses, and a more resilient economy—benefits that extend far beyond keeping the lights on.
Looking Ahead
Negros Power’s first 16 months show that focused investment, transparency, and consumer-centered planning can deliver real results. While challenges remain, the groundwork has been laid for a power system that is more reliable, safer, and fairer for the people of Central Negros.
For consumers, the message is clear: these changes are not abstract milestones—they are improvements meant to be felt at home, at work, and in everyday life.
