By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The provincial government of Negros Occidental yesterday held a pre-power summit at the provincial capitol.

According to former 3rd district congressman and Provincial Consultant on Economic Affairs Alfredo “Albee” Benitez, the provincial government wants to assess if Negros Occidental has enough power supply and if its usage is being maximized.

Benitez said based on the initial reports they have received, the province has a substantial amount of unused power which would be a waste.

“In Iloilo they already managed to lower their cost of electricity, maybe we can also do the same,” he said.

At present, Benitez said Negros Occidental produces at least 600 megawatts of electricity, but consumption at peak load is only 350 megawatts.

“Kadamo sang excess power naton (We have a lot of excess power),” he explained.

Most of the power generated in Negros comes from renewable energy such as solar, geothermal and biomass.

The provincial consultant explained one of the visions of the province is to get into the technology industry, and one of its important factors in power.

He said if they are able to fix the province’s power supply, as well as its rate which would make it competitive in the international market, a lot more technology industries would come in and invest in the province and therefore create more jobs.

Benitez also said they will push the island further to pursue renewable energy, pointing out Negros is currently one of the islands in the country wherein its power comes mainly from renewable energy sources./DGB, WDJ