Negros Power Hosts PEPOA Conference in Bacolod
Bacolod City recently hosted energy industry leaders and representatives when Negros Electric and Power Corporation, or Negros Power, organized the Private Electric Power Operators Association (PEPOA) Conference at Citadines Bacolod.
The conference took place on September 10 as part of ASCEND 2026, with the theme, “Powering the Future Together: Advancing Smarter Energy Innovations for a Resilient System.”
The event gathered representatives from private distribution utilities, the Energy Regulatory Commission, and other industry stakeholders to talk about key issues in the Philippine power sector, especially in the Visayas.
Energy Leaders Gather in Bacolod
The PEPOA Conference gave industry representatives a chance to share ideas and talk about regulatory concerns, market operations, power supply, system reliability, infrastructure, and energy innovation.
Among the ERC officials who attended were Chairperson Atty. Francis Saturnino Juan, Supervising Energy Regulation Officer Engr. Roland Albert Rivera, and Sharon Montaner of the Market Operations Service.
PEPOA President Atty. Ranulfo Ocampo also attended together with representatives from various private distribution utilities.
Representing Negros Power and Primelectric Holdings Inc. was President and CEO Roel Z. Castro, along with company executives and representatives.
Open Dialogue With the ERC
One important part of the conference was an open discussion between the Energy Regulatory Commission and representatives from private distribution utilities.
Participants were able to ask questions, clarify regulatory issues, and share experiences from their own service areas.
PEPOA President Atty. Ranulfo Ocampo emphasized the importance of cooperation among distribution utilities, regulators, and other industry stakeholders.
He said challenges in the power sector require teamwork and shared experience to find practical solutions.
The discussion also showed how regulation, power supply, infrastructure, technology, and system reliability all play a role in providing reliable electricity to communities.
Negros Power Highlights Innovation and Resilience
For Negros Power, the conference was a chance to show why innovation and resilience matter as energy needs keep changing.
President and CEO Roel Z. Castro stressed that the power industry should prepare for rising energy demand by adopting smarter technologies and improving electricity delivery.
Reliable power infrastructure remains essential for homes, businesses, industries, and public services throughout the Visayas.
Castro also pointed out that reliability and resilience directly affect communities and businesses, so improving infrastructure, technology, and systems matters for the region.
Building a More Reliable Power System
Electricity is essential for nearly every part of modern life, including homes, businesses, hospitals, schools, offices, and industries.
As communities grow and energy demand rises, distribution utilities must keep improving their systems and get ready for changing customer needs.
The PEPOA Conference included these concerns in a wider discussion about the future of the Philippine electricity sector.
Stakeholders talked about why smarter energy solutions, better infrastructure, and ongoing cooperation are important for building a stronger power system.
ASCEND 2026 Focuses on the Future of Energy
The ASCEND 2026 theme shows the industry’s increasing focus on technology, innovation, and resilience.
As energy demand shifts, distribution utilities need to upgrade infrastructure and use solutions that help provide reliable electricity.
The conference gave industry representatives a platform to discuss these changes and share experiences from different service areas.
For the Visayas, these discussions matter because reliable electricity supports communities, businesses, and the region’s economy.
Negros Power Strengthens Industry Engagement
By hosting the PEPOA Conference in Bacolod, Negros Power gave regulators, private distribution utilities, and industry leaders a place to talk about the power sector’s challenges and opportunities.
The event ended with stakeholders stressing the need for collaboration, innovation, infrastructure development, and ongoing talks with regulators.
For Negros Power and Primelectric Holdings Inc., the conference also helped them connect more with other industry stakeholders as the electricity sector gets ready for changing energy needs.
The Bacolod event showed that industry dialogue can bring stakeholders together to discuss practical concerns and future priorities.
As the power sector grows, working together among utilities, regulators, and other stakeholders will stay important for providing reliable and resilient electricity in the Visayas and the Philippines.