The approval of the franchise of Negros Electric and Power Corp. (NEPC) is seen as a milestone by Bacolod City Mayor Albee Benitez.

In a press conference, Benitez said this move is not only expected to provide reliable and affordable electricity to residents and businesses but also focuses on protecting the environment by utilizing renewable energy sources.

According to Benitez, they are looking forward to the positive changes that NEPC will bring to Bacolod City.

"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," Benitez said.

"NEPC aims to implement eco-friendly practices and promote renewable energy sources within the city. By embracing cleaner alternatives and reducing carbon emissions, NEPC strives to contribute to Bacolod's sustainability goals, fostering a greener future for generations to come," he added.

Benitez 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. Poor customer service has also been a complaint. Bacolod, being a major economic hub, faces difficulty in attracting investments and new businesses due to the high electricity charges. Benitez believes that having a reliable power supply will contribute to the city's economic growth.

House Bill 9310, which advocates for granting NEPC a franchise to become the power distributor in Bacolod City, Bago, Silay, Talisay, as well as in the municipalities of Murcia and Don Salvador Benedicto, is currently being heard by the House Committee on Legislative Franchises chaired by Paranaque Rep. Gus Tambunting.

The committee is awaiting the submission of documents from NEPC, CENECO, the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), and the National Electrification Administration (NEA). Upon approval at the committee level, it will proceed to deliberation in the plenary.

House Bill No. 9310 was drafted by Negros congressmen, led by Negros Occidental 3rd District Rep. Francisco Benitez, Rep. Juliet Marie Ferrer (4th district), Abang Lingkod Party-list Rep. Stephen Paduano, and Bacolod Rep. Greg Gasataya.

Benitez hopes that Congress will approve the franchise before the year ends to commence the rehabilitation of CENECO's entire distribution system.

Primelectric Holdings Inc. president Roel Castro previously stated that they will invest around P2.1 billion in capital expenditures for NEPC, aiming to establish cutting-edge systems for an improved consumer experience. The rehabilitation and improvement of the system are necessary to eliminate inefficiencies.

Once the legislative franchise is approved, NEPC will then seek a Certificate of Public Safety Convenience and Necessity (CPSCN) from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) before taking over CENECO.