House Bill 9805, which aims to grant Negros Electric and Power Corporation (NEPC) a franchise to establish, operate and maintain a distribution system of electric power in Central Negros, passed Senate deliberation on Wednesday, May 8.
Senator Grace Poe, who sponsored the bill, underscored the significant impact of the proposed franchise, emphasizing the NEPC’s projected P2.1 billion initial investment in capital expenditures for the next five years.
Poe highlighted the economic growth potential in Central Negros Electric Cooperative’s (Ceneco) franchise areas, affirming that NEPC’s consumers can expect stable and affordable power rates, while enjoying efficient operation.
NEPC earlier assured that Ceneco’s current distribution charges would not increase for the next three years when they take over the operation.
Ceneco’s franchise areas include Negros Occidental cities of Silay, Talisay and Bago, as well as the municipalities of Murcia and Don Salvador Benedicto, and capital Bacolod City.
During the interpellation, Senator Win Gatchalian stressed the importance of due approval from the National Electrification Administration, ensuring credibility, fairness and transparency during the conduct of the plebiscite for the joint venture agreement between Ceneco and Primelectric Holdings Inc., the parent company of NEPC.
Meanwhile, Poe addressed concerns raised by Senator Risa Hontiveros on Ceneco employees, assuring them that they would receive their benefits under the collective bargaining agreement.
She emphasized that priority would be given to rehiring employees, based on qualifications and performance, underscoring NEPC’s commitment to fair and transparent employment practices.
The senator also clarified to Senate minority floor leader Koko Pimentel that Ceneco will still have a 30 percent share of NEPC, and will receive 70 percent cash on asset value that Primelectric will buy once the franchise law takes effect.
After the lengthy deliberation, Senate majority floor leader Joel Villanueva closed the period of interpellation, and expected to calendar the bill for a period of amendments when the session resumed next week.
Power consumers in Central Negros are eagerly anticipating the takeover of NEPC’s operation to promptly address the impending power crisis in this part of the province./WDJ