NEPC offers a one-month amnesty for illegal electricity connections in Central Negros
In a significant move aimed at regularizing electricity connections in Central Negros, the Negros Electric and Power Corp. (NEPC) has announced a one-month amnesty period for over 6,000 individuals currently using illegal electricity connections. This announcement was made by NEPC president and chief executive officer Roel Castro on Thursday, July 18.
The initiative is set to commence when NEPC takes over the distribution services of the Central Negros Electric Cooperative (CENECO). During this amnesty period, individuals with illegal power connections can transition to legal connections without facing backbilling or penalties. Castro emphasized that the primary goal of this initiative is to legalize and regularize these connections, thereby improving the overall efficiency and safety of the electricity distribution network in the region.
“The drive is to make them legal and regular,” Castro stated during the NEPC Power 101 and Rate Setting seminar for the media held in Bacolod City. He further warned that those who fail to take advantage of the amnesty offer within the specified period will be pursued for their illegal connections.
Here’s what you need to know about the NEPC Amnesty Program:
- Who is eligible? Anyone in the cities of Bacolod, Bago, Silay, and Talisay, as well as the towns of Don Salvador Benedicto and Murcia, who has an illegal electricity connection, can avail themselves of the amnesty program.
- What are the benefits? There will be no backbilling or penalties for those who come forward and legalize their connections during the amnesty period.
- What happens after the amnesty period? NEPC will pursue legal actions against those who fail to avail of the amnesty program.
- When is the amnesty period? The exact date of the amnesty period has yet to be announced, but it is expected to begin sometime in August 2024 upon approval of NEPC’s franchise. The amnesty period will last for one month.
NEPC’s Readiness and Future Plans
NEPC has already made provisions for the expected influx of new legal connections, with 30,000 new meters available for additional power consumers. This readiness demonstrates NEPC’s commitment to ensuring a smooth transition and accommodating the increased demand for legal electricity connections.
As NEPC prepares to take over the power distribution services of CENECO in the cities of Bacolod, Bago, Silay, and Talisay, as well as the towns of Don Salvador Benedicto and Murcia, the corporation is awaiting the final approval of its franchise. A bill granting NEPC the franchise to operate in Central Negros is currently pending before the Office of the President. If neither signed nor vetoed by the President, the bill is expected to lapse into law by the last week of July.
In addition to the franchise, NEPC has also applied for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity from the Energy Regulation Commission. This certificate is crucial for NEPC to commence its operations and can only be granted once the franchise becomes law.
Assurance of Continuous Power Supply
One of the major concerns for residents and businesses in Central Negros has been the issue of extended scheduled power outages. Castro assured that there will be no such disruptions when NEPC takes over. NEPC has been proactive, having already conducted joint rehabilitation work on CENECO’s distribution lines for about a month. This preemptive action aims to ensure a seamless transition and minimize any potential disruptions to the power supply.
NEPC’s Development Plan
Looking ahead, NEPC has outlined a comprehensive five-year development plan for its power distribution services in Central Negros. This plan is expected to bring about significant improvements in the region’s reliability and quality of electricity supply. By investing in infrastructure upgrades and implementing modern technologies, NEPC aims to enhance the overall efficiency of its distribution network and provide a stable and reliable power supply to its consumers.
The announcement of the amnesty period by NEPC marks a pivotal moment for Central Negros. It offers a golden opportunity for residents with illegal electricity connections to legalize their status without facing financial penalties. With NEPC’s readiness to take over and its commitment to continuous power supply and infrastructure development, the region can look forward to a more efficient and reliable electricity distribution system. As the final steps are taken to secure the necessary approvals, the people of Central Negros can anticipate positive changes in their power distribution services, paving the way for a brighter and more sustainable future.
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