House urged to back NEPC power franchise

BACOLOD City Mayor Alfredo Benitez yesterday urged lawmakers to support the approval of the legislative franchise of the Negros Electric and Power Corporation (NEPC), saying it is not only expected to provide reliable and affordable electricity to residents and businesses but also protect the environment with the use of renewable energy sources.

Benitez, a former Negros Occidental representative, issued the statement after the House Committee on Legislative Franchises gave NEPC preliminary approval pending further deliberations on House Bill No. 9310.

The committee is awaiting the submission of documents from NEPC, CENECO, the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), and the National Electrification Administration (NEA).

After approval at the committee level, it will proceed to deliberation in the plenary.

NEPC seeks to become the power distributor in Bacolod City, Bago, Silay, and Talisay and in the municipalities of Murcia and Don Salvador Benedicto, all in Negros Occidental.

“With the approval of the Joint Venture Agreement with Central Negros Electric Cooperative (CENECO), the city anticipates the entry of NEPC, promising cheaper and more efficient power supply, and most importantly, a shift towards green energy,” the mayor said.

The former lawmaker said he was hoping that the franchise would be approved before the year ends to commence the rehabilitation of CENECO’s entire distribution system.

Benitez said NEPC aims to implement eco-friendly practices and promote renewable energy sources by using cleaner alternatives and reducing carbon emissions.

The former congressman sees no obstacles in transferring the franchise from CENECO to NEPC, especially since it is supported by residents, business owners, local government units, and various sectors, including non-governmental organizations.

Bacolod City is one of the areas in Negros experiencing frequent brownouts and high power rates due to expensive fuel costs and a faulty distribution system.

Benitez said Bacolod, being a major economic hub, have been facing difficulty in attracting investments and new businesses due to the high electricity charges.

He said having a reliable power supply will contribute to the