Negros Power Pushes for Reliable Energy at 35th VABC
Electricity demand is rising across the Visayas as industries grow and communities modernize. At the 35th Visayas Area Business Conference (VABC), Negros Power and other leaders focused on making reliable, sustainable power a regional priority.
The conference, themed “Future Forward: Shaping Sustainable and Resilient Communities and Smarter Business,” brought together multiple sectors to discuss how infrastructure, innovation, and smart energy solutions can drive economic growth.
Negros Power Joins Key Discussions on Energy Security
By participating in the 35th VABC, Negros Power reinforced its role as a key advocate for reliable energy. The company engaged with industry leaders to advance solutions that ensure resilient communities.
A key moment at the conference was the presentation “Powering Growth: Energy as the Engine of Visayas Trade & Investment.” In this talk, Primelectric Holdings Inc. President and CEO Roel Z. Castro highlighted the urgent need for reliable energy solutions as the Visayas grow rapidly.
Castro explained that power demand in the region will rise sharply over the next few years, driven by industrialization, new investments, and ongoing development in Negros, Panay, Cebu, Leyte, and Bohol.
As more businesses open and communities become more active, the sector faces growing pressure to keep up.
Rising Power Demand in the Visayas
The Visayas is one of the country’s most economically active regions. Growth in tourism, real estate, business process outsourcing, manufacturing, and commercial activity is driving electricity use higher.
Castro said renewable energy is a key future goal, but it may not be enough on its own to meet the region’s growing energy needs. He stated that dependable baseload power—continuous electricity from sources such as coal, gas, or hydro—is still necessary to keep the system stable and prevent disruptions, especially during peak times.
This balanced approach helps businesses run smoothly and protects consumers from shortages or unstable electricity.
Challenges Facing the Visayas Power Grid
The conference also addressed major challenges for the Visayas power grid: limited interconnection capacity (the amount of electricity that can be transferred between islands via transmission lines), supply imbalances, and rising global fuel costs.
Negros, despite strong renewable capabilities, still depends on inter-island transmission and imports electricity during peak hours to support demand.
Castro warned that the current supply gap in the region is a real problem, not just a theory. He pointed to recurring yellow alerts—which are warnings issued by the power grid operator when reserves fall below ideal levels, signaling potential shortages but not yet causing outages—in the Visayas grid as evidence that more investment in reliable energy infrastructure is needed.
These alerts signal low power supply and unsafe reserve levels. While not full outages, yellow alerts show the energy system is under stress and at risk for disruption.
Balancing Sustainability and Reliability
One of the strongest messages delivered during the conference was the importance of balancing renewable energy goals with practical transition strategies.
Solar, wind, and hydro power are important for a cleaner future. However, energy experts said the shift to green power must also consider reliability, affordability, and the limits of the current power grid.
Negros Power and Primelectric Holdings’ vision centers on creating a robust, stable energy environment essential for economic growth and sustainability in the Visayas.
This balanced approach is especially important as the Visayas attracts more investors and large developments needing reliable electricity.
Negros Power Continues Modernization Efforts
Negros Power reaffirmed its commitment to providing reliable service through continuous modernization projects and long-term sustainability initiatives.
The company is upgrading power infrastructure to strengthen the grid, improve reliability, and support the needs of consumers and businesses in Negros Occidental.
Participating in the 35th VABC demonstrates the company’s commitment to leading efforts to ensure reliable electricity service and to supporting the region’s progress.
By participating in energy security and sustainable development discussions, Negros Power helps build a smarter, more resilient Visayas.
Building a Stronger Future for the Visayas
As the Visayas modernizes and attracts investment, reliable energy remains vital to its progress.
Talks at the 35th VABC showed that energy providers, government, businesses, and communities must work together. Building a sustainable future requires practical solutions, ongoing investment, and a shared commitment to long-term growth.
For Negros Power, joining these pivotal discussions is core to its mission of ensuring reliable energy for communities and driving regional economic growth.
As power demand rises and new energy challenges appear, reliable and sustainable electricity solutions are more important than ever for the Visayas’ future.