Nine Months After Takeover, Negros Power Delivers Real Progress
It’s been just nine months since Negros Electric and Power Corporation took over the electric distribution services in Central Negros, and wow — what a difference those months have made. If you’ve been living in Bacolod or nearby areas, chances are you’ve noticed fewer brownouts, quicker customer service responses, and maybe even a brand-new electric meter on your wall.
This isn’t just about upgrading power lines. It’s about rebuilding trust, modernizing how electricity gets to homes and businesses, and putting people at the center of everything. So let’s break down what’s happened with Negros Power nine months after the takeover and why it matters to you.
A Serious Upgrade in Infrastructure
Let’s start with the big stuff. One of the major wins so far is the complete rehabilitation of the Alijis Substation. If that sounds technical, think of it as one of the key hubs that keeps your electricity flowing. It got a complete makeover with new, more powerful transformers.
And it didn’t stop there. The entire 30-kilometer Bacolod to Silay sub-transmission line was rebuilt. Negros Power replaced old poles, upgraded insulators, and cleared out vegetation that used to cause outages. This alone has made a huge difference in the reliability of service.
On top of that, new equipment like Automatic Circuit Reclosers and insulated wires were installed to make the system more resilient. Less flickering. Fewer blackouts. More stable power for everyone.
Safer and Smarter Energy
Another standout improvement is how Negros Power has tackled energy safety and quality. They installed energy-efficient distribution transformers, helping manage power flow and reducing strain during peak hours. That means you get consistent electricity without sudden dips or overloads.
They also rolled out serious efforts to stop electricity theft. If you’re a paying customer, this matters. Illegal connections increase system losses, leading to higher bills for honest users. Cracking down on this protects everyone.
Customer Convenience at Its Best
One of the most significant shifts in the past nine months is how Negros Power interacts with its consumers. Thousands of old, faulty meters were replaced with brand-new digital ones. And guess what? They did it for free.
Paying your bill is now easier, too. They’ve opened over 100 new payment centers, so you don’t have to line up at just one office. You can even ask for help through Facebook Messenger — yes, they’re that accessible now.
Need a new connection? The process got way smoother. Negros Power now assists with permits at the local building office, removing the usual headaches and delays.
Power Finally Reaches the Unreached
One of the most heartwarming updates in this journey is the Sitio Electrification Program. This isn’t just infrastructure — this is hope. Seventeen previously unpowered sitios (small rural communities) are now connected to the grid.
Over 1,600 households who lived without electricity now enjoy the basics many of us take for granted. Negros Power invested nearly 26 million pesos in this initiative. That’s real, inclusive progress.
Tech-Forward Modernization Is On the Way
The improvements don’t stop here. Negros Power is rolling out a long-term modernization plan that includes some seriously smart tech.
We’re talking about centralized control centers, SCADA systems for better network management, and drones for aerial surveys and thermal scans. They’re also mapping everything with GIS tech, making maintenance and upgrades faster and more precise.
And yes, the iconic Lacson Street is getting a makeover, too. Underground cables are part of a plan to clean up and protect the city’s electrical network — just in time for the MassKara Festival.
Keeping Prices Fair
You might think all these upgrades would come with a price hike. Surprisingly, Negros Power has managed to keep electricity rates the lowest in the region. They’re doing this through smart electricity sourcing and carefully tracking market prices.
That’s good news for homes and businesses trying to stretch their budgets.
Leaders and Locals Take Notice
Community leaders and consumer groups have taken notice of the changes. From improved reliability to better transparency, many now say they see a different, more responsive utility company.
Consumer advocates like Christian Weber and Atty. Cesar Beloria praised the new direction and emphasized how important it is for all of us to stay involved and help support the improvements.
It’s Only the Beginning
According to President and CEO Roel Castro, what we’ve seen is just the start. While a complete transformation will take a few more years, the commitment is clear: better service, better technology, and a better experience for every household and business in Central Negros.
So the next time your lights stay on during a storm, or you can pay your bill in just a few minutes online, remember — this is part of the significant shift happening in our power system.
Nine months in, Negros Power nine months after the takeover is more than just a success story. It’s proof that change is possible when leadership listens, invests, and puts people first.
Let’s keep the momentum going.