We have been campaigning for the CENECO JVA with Primelectric to form Negros Power, primarily because we are very unhappy with our current electricity distribution service. In our home and business, we want better service because unstable power is causing a lot of damage to electrical equipment and supplies, especially when a power interruption or fluctuation happens while a process is ongoing. Plus, electricity rates are so expensive for such mediocre service. We try so hard to implement electricity-saving tips at home, yet our electric bills continue to skyrocket. It’s no longer value for money. So, we are very happy that people are going out and making their voices heard. So far, 91% of voters or electric consumers have been to the plebiscite centers and said YES to JVA.
Pushing for the CENECO JVA with Primelectric
So many more electric consumers have taken part in the plebiscite held last August 19 and 20 here in Bacolod City. And so far, the vast majority of them have voted in favor of the CENECO JVA with Primelectric to set up the new company called Negros Power Electric Corporation or NEPC.
Some of the voters came personally while others voted by proxy, as encouraged by Bacolod Mayor Albee Benitez and allowed by CENECO. As you know, Mayor Albee is a staunch proponent of the CENECO-Primelectric JVA because the city’s chief executive is well aware of how a good power distribution system can propel Bacolod’s progress. No matter how he works to bring in investors, without good service from the electric cooperative, development cannot be sustained in Bacolod City. Even the Landers Superstore Bacolod opening has been delayed because of the unreliable power supply in the area.
The good turnout of voters may be attributed to the massive information campaign to make consumers understand the advantages of forming NEPC. Our current distribution utility CENECO is very much dying as a company and despite the high rates it is charging the consumers, it can no longer improve its services.
Moreover, it no longer has the capacity to undergo major upgrades nor push for the modernization of our electrical facilities. CENECO doesn’t have funds for capital expenditures (CAPEX) anymore. It cannot buy new equipment, such as a mobile substation needed as backup power for emergency repairs. Imagine, it has already used up even the restricted funds that are supposed to be for the bill deposit refunds.
All it can give its consumers right now is high electricity chargers (check your electric bill), frequent unscheduled brownouts, and bad service.
With the Full Support of the Catholic Church in Bacolod
Aside from Mayor Albee, the Diocese of Bacolod is also calling all consumers to take part in the plebiscite. CENECO and the National Electrification Administration (NEA) have updated the list of voters. These are the people whose names appear on the electric bill. They have announced that there are four more plebiscite days. These are:
- August 26 and 27
- September 2 and 3.
In order for the CENECO JVA to push through. There should be at least 50% + 1 YES votes.
Here is the partial result of the plebiscite, as sourced from the CENECO JVA Over-all Plebiscite Committee.
Eligible Voters: 177,737
June 24:
- Yes 13,587 (78% )
- No 3,748 (22%)
June 25:
- Yes 8,087 (78% )
- No 2,319 (22%)
Aug 19:
- Yes 24,641 (99%)
- No 284 (1%)
Aug 20:
- Yes 21,247 (99%)
- No 250 (1%)
Total:
- Yes 67,562 (91%)
- No 6,601 (9%)
Total votes turn-out: 74,163 (42%)
That is 91% YES and 9% NO of the total turnout. We only need a few more thousands of yes votes in the coming four plebiscite days in order to have the CENECO JVA push through.
If you haven’t yet, please go out and vote. Say YES to JVA. Say YES to reliable power, better service, and lower electric rates in Bacolod City and Central Negros. Savings from electric bills will mean more leeway for the family budget. All the benefits will go to us consumers so let us no longer hesitate.