The Senate has finally approved the bill granting the Negros Electric and Power Corporation (NEPC) a franchise to operate as a new distribution utility in central Negros through a joint venture agreement with the Central Negros Electric Cooperative (Ceneco).
House Bill 9805, which grants a franchise to NEPC to maintain electric power distribution in key areas of Negros Occidental, including Bacolod City, got 22 affirmative votes during the Senate plenary session yesterday.
After the approval, committee on public services chairperson, Senator Grace Poe, thanked her colleagues for supporting the said bill.
“It is my hope that the granting of franchise would pave the way for better and more expansive power service in the country,” Poe said.
Earlier, Poe underscored that the legislative measure aims to enhance power services by providing consumers in central Negros with continued access to affordable, reliable and sustainable energy.
“House Bill No. 9805 is a result of the public’s clamor for better service in central Negros Occidental, which Ceneco currently serves. NEPC has expressed its readiness and willingness to invest capital in modernizing the distribution system and addressing operational challenges,” Poe said in her previous deliberations.
She commended the initiative of both Ceneco and NEPC for crafting the joint venture.
“What’s great about this agreement is that both parties share the goal of improving the electric service for Negrenses,” Poe said.
“As legislators, we must remain open to the changing times. Our duty is to be responsive to the needs of our constituents, both now and in the future,” the lady senator continued.
Poe also highlighted that the new franchise will attract investors.
“We are also striving to create a business-friendly environment because doing so will ensure the success of this venture and future endeavors,” she said.
The representatives of both houses of Congress are expected to meet through a bicameral conference to fine-tune the law’s final version before sending it to the office of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.