CENECO and Primelectric JVA: Why We Need to Vote YES

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If I may say, I cannot blame you if you have reservations about the CENECO and Primelectric JVA. It is something new and change can be scary. However, this proposal to establish Negros Power Electric Corporation or NEPC in Bacolod City and Central Negros promises to be a much better alternative than if CENECO is acting alone. So, I will attempt to once again explain why the proposed CENECO and Primelectric JVA is the best option that we have right now. But in case the concept still sounds foreign to you, just ask yourself, are you still happy with the services that CENECO is giving us? Are you happy every time you receive your monthly electric bill vis a vis the service you are getting? If not, I implore you to take part in the plebiscite and say YES to JVA.

Read: NEGROS Power: Facts About the Primelectric and CENECO JVA

Why We Need the CENECO and Primelectric JVA to Push Through

CENECO the company and its power distribution facilities are already in bad shape. They no longer have enough money to upgrade equipment or replace old and outdated ones. The company has even used up the restricted funds that are supposed to be for bill deposit refunds.

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Here are the other things that will show you that CENECO is a dying facility.

1. CENECO’s loan with the National Electrification Administration, banks, and other financial institutions has already reached P600 million.

2. The electric cooperative no longer has enough money to buy new equipment. Upgrading and modernization of the distribution utility stopped in 2011 because their loan application for Capital Expenditures (CapEx) was rejected by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).

3. The substations and transformers used in power distribution are all outdated and overloaded.

4. Many of the wooden electric posts are no longer standing strong. These need to be replaced but instead are just supported by wooden planks.

5. Power lines are getting cut from wear, tear, and accidents without proper replacement.

6. Electric meters are so old that they have become moldy and rusty. It is no wonder that our meter readings are no longer accurate.

7. CENECO is losing approximately P20 million every month to system loss that reaches 11%. And it seems that nothing is being done to correct this problem and the consumers just continue to pay for most of these losses.

CENECO Franchise is Expiring

The franchise of CENECO to run a distribution utility is ending in 2030. That is less than 7 years from today. With their current situation, it is not surprising that Congress will no longer renew the CENECO franchise in Bacolod and Central Negros.

Related: FAQs Answered: Primelectric is NOT Prime Water

How Can the CENECO and Primelectric JVA Help Us

The CENECO and Primelectric JVA is going to form the new Negros Power Electric Corporation. And this is the first order of business that Negros Power will do.

1. It will pay P1.7 billion in cash for CENECO’s facilities. The new cash will be used to pay off loans and other expenses.

2. Negros Power has a five-year development plan that includes spending for the rehabilitation and modernization of the power distribution utility.

3. It will upgrade the capacities of substations and transformers to meet the demands of both commercial and residential users. Just like in MORE Power in Iloilo, Negros Power will also purchase mobile substations to facilitate the repairs.

4. Posts, wires, and electric meters will be replaced.

5. The new company commits to reinforcing customer service for a quick response time for complaints and a faster turnaround time for repairs.

6. It also aims to bring down the system loss to 5.5%. That will mean a lower monthly electric bill and extra money for the family budget.

7. Negros Power will apply for a new franchise where CENECO will still own 30% of the new company.

Related: Say YES to JVA Between CENECO and Primelectric for Better Service and Lower Rates

In Conclusion

We will have better service, more reliable electricity supply, and lower rates with Negros Power.

So let’s choose the JVA.

Plebiscite Dates: August 19, 20, 26, and 27; September 2 and 3, 2023

Where: CENECO-designated schools

Voting by Proxy

If you agree to the JVA but are unable to go to the precinct, you can vote by proxy. Just fill up the proxy form that is available at the CENECO JVA booth located at: