By CESAR JOLITO III
A broad coalition of electricity consumers and church workers is set to formally launch the Alliance of Consumers in Northern Negros (ACNN) in Bacolod City, positioning itself as a unified consumer voice as the Visayas braces for possible power supply shortfalls.
The formation of ACNN comes amid warnings from the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines and the Department of Energy about a projected electricity deficit affecting the Visayas, including the Negros Island Region.
The general assembly organizing the alliance is being supported by the Alliance of Concerned Consumers in Electricity and Social Services (ACCESS) and Power Watch Negros Advocates, with discussions focused on preparing consumers for challenges in the evolving power sector.
“This is about ensuring that electricity consumers have both a voice and a choice as we move toward a more resilient and consumer-centric power sector,” ACCESS President Wennie Sancho said.
The group’s key agenda item will be the proposed partnership between Negros Electric and Power Corp. and Northern Negros Electric Cooperative (Noneco).
The proposed collaboration aims to modernize power infrastructure, reduce outages and improve service reliability and affordability for more than 200,000 consumers across Northern Negros, from E.B. Magalona town to San Carlos City.
Organizers said the partnership, if pursued, could bring in technical expertise, capital investment and sustained consumer consultations to safeguard public interest while strengthening the local power system.
The ACNN assembly will also see the induction of newly elected and appointed officers, to be led by invited guest speaker Arnel Lapore.
Sancho stressed that ACNN seeks to go beyond advocacy, describing it as a growing consumer movement aimed at promoting education, awareness and participation in energy-related decision-making.
In support of the proposal, ACCESS, together with Power Watch Negros, is assisting consumers in Northern Negros in strengthening ACNN.
Sancho said a stronger ACNN would serve as a unified voice to ensure that consumer interests are protected and represented in decisions related to the partnership.
ACCESS said the proposed collaboration has the potential to establish a more robust and consumer-focused power service framework in Northern Negros, aligned with the group’s advocacy for affordable, efficient and reliable electricity for households and businesses in the region./CJ, WDJ