PEPOA Conference in Bacolod Opens Dialogue on the Future of Philippine Power Distribution

PEPOA Conference in Bacolod

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PEPOA Conference in Bacolod Opens Dialogue on the Future of Philippine Power Distribution

Bacolod City once again became a meeting place for conversations that matter to the future of the power sector as Negros Electric and Power Corporation (Negros Power) hosted the Private Electric Power Operators Association (PEPOA) Conference on September 10 at Citadines Bacolod.

Held as part of ASCEND 2026, the gathering carried the theme “Powering the Future Together: Advancing Smarter Energy Innovations for a Resilient System.”

And true to its theme, the conference was all about moving the conversation forward.

Leaders and representatives from private distribution utilities, together with officials from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), came together to exchange ideas on some of the industry’s most pressing concerns—from regulations and market operations to power supply, reliability, infrastructure, and the changing energy requirements of communities.

With the Visayas as an important part of the discussion, the conference provided an opportunity for industry players to share what they are experiencing on the ground and explore practical ways to respond to emerging challenges.

Among the ERC officials who attended were Chairperson Atty. Francis Saturnino Juan, Supervising Energy Regulation Officer Engr. Roland Albert Rivera, and Sharon Montaner of the Market Operations Service.

PEPOA President Atty. Ranulfo Ocampo also joined the gathering, along with representatives from various private distribution utilities.

Representing Negros Power and its parent company, Primelectric Holdings Inc., was President and CEO Roel Z. Castro, together with other company executives and representatives.

More Than a Conference

One of the highlights of the gathering was the open dialogue between the ERC and distribution utilities.

Instead of simply listening to presentations, participants had the opportunity to raise questions, seek clarification on regulatory concerns, and share actual experiences from their respective areas.

For Ocampo, collaboration remains essential in navigating the challenges confronting the industry.

“The power industry is facing challenges that cannot be addressed by one sector alone,” Ocampo said, highlighting the value of cooperation and sharing experiences in finding workable solutions.

Castro likewise emphasized the need for the industry to keep looking ahead.

As energy demand continues to evolve, he said power providers must be ready to embrace new technologies, strengthen systems, and find smarter ways of serving their communities.

“Powering the future requires us to think ahead, embrace smarter technologies, and continuously improve the way we deliver electricity to our communities,” Castro said.

He also emphasized that for the Visayas, dependable electricity is closely connected to everyday life and economic activity.

“For us in the Visayas, reliability and resilience are not simply industry goals. They directly affect our communities, businesses, and the continued growth of our region,” Castro added.

Powering the Future Together

The conference wrapped up with a shared recognition that building a stronger electricity system requires more than infrastructure alone.

It calls for collaboration, innovation, continuous industry dialogue, regulatory engagement, and long-term investment in reliable power systems.

For Negros Power, hosting the PEPOA Conference was also an opportunity to contribute to the broader industry conversation—bringing together stakeholders who share a common concern: how to respond to the Philippines’ evolving energy needs while building a power sector that is more reliable, resilient, and ready for the future.

And perhaps that is what “Powering the Future Together” is really about—not just producing and delivering electricity, but bringing people, ideas, and industries together to keep the lights—and the region—moving forward.

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Tito J (Bacolod Blogger)

Tito J 9Bacolod Blogger) is a visual artist, educator, entrepreneur and management consultant based in Negros, Philippines. He writes about creativity, travel, work culture, entrepreneurship, and everyday observations drawn from years of teaching in graduate and doctoral programs, running an award-winning design gallery, and working closely with organizations and communities. Through his blog, he shares thoughtful reflections on design, productivity, public service, and the human side of work—always grounded in real experience.