By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer threw out their support for the joint venture agreement (JVA) between the Central Negros Electric Cooperative (Ceneco) and MORE Electric and Power Corporation (MORE Power).
During the company briefing at the Negros Residences in Bacolod City yesterday, Lacson said they now have a better understanding of MORE Power’s partnership with Ceneco.
Lacson added he is confident that they would be in advantage as MORE Power, with their experience in serving Iloilo City for more than three years, is competent on how to reduce the number of power interruptions and system losses in the service area at which, in turn, will also lower power rates.
“Personally, I believe in the management of MORE Power,” Lacson said.
Meanwhile, Ferrer said he also backs the JVA as MORE Power President and chief executive officer Roel Castro gave Negros Occidental residents an assurance of stable power supply and lower power rates.
“What is more advantageous to the consumers is the most important,” Ferrer said.
“With that presentation, if we are going to compare services and what is happening now in Ceneco, I will support the JVA,” he added.
Ferrer pointed out that currently, Ceneco is losing P20 million a month and P600 million in arrears.
However, Castro said they are not taking over Ceneco as the JVA will be split 70-30 － MORE Power gets 70 percent of Ceneco’s assets, while the 30 percent will be retained by the Negros-based electric cooperative.
He also revealed that they are now reviewing Ceneco’s power contracts to lower power rates once the JVA is completed.
Ceneco employees were also assured they would not be replaced by MORE Power’s employees from Iloilo, and would rather hire Negrenses.
He said some Ceneco employees may be offered retirement, although they can also re-apply for the new company under the JVA.
Castro said they are targeted to finish the required referendum by the National Electrification Administration in July of this year for the 220,000 Ceneco consumers to decide for the JVA.
They will also ask the House of Representatives for the renewal of Ceneco’s franchise under the JVA for 25 years.
Also at the briefing were board members Andrew Montelibano and Manuel Frederick Ko, and Don Salvador Benedicto Mayor Marxlene dela Cruz.
The local chief executives of the cities of Silay, Bago and Talisay, and Murcia town － among Ceneco’s service areas － only sent their representatives, and said they too approve of the proposed JVA./DGB, WDJ