By CESAR JOLITO III
A consumer advocacy group is urging electricity users across the Negros Island Region (NIR) to unite in the face of possible global energy disruptions, as it prepares to ratify a “Manifesto of Solidarity” later this month.
The Alliance of Concerned Consumers in Electricity and Social Services (ACCESS), led by President Wennie Sancho, issued the manifesto on Thursday, April 16, calling on households, businesses and institutions to work together amid growing uncertainties in the global energy market.
The document will be formally presented and ratified during the Central and Northern Negros Consumers Conference scheduled on April 30 in Bacolod City.
ACCESS cited escalating tensions in the Middle East — particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit route — as a key concern that could trigger fuel price spikes and disrupt power supply if conflict intensifies.
“The challenges before us are not abstract,” the group said in its statement, noting that global developments directly impact electricity rates, transportation costs and overall inflation.
The group also warned of vulnerabilities in the Visayas power grid, including thinning reserves and exposure to volatile fuel markets, which could affect both energy reliability and affordability in the region.
According to ACCESS, rising crude oil prices may translate to higher living costs, while potential supply shortages could increase the risk of power interruptions.
In response, the organization is pushing for stronger cooperation among consumers, power distribution utilities, local government units, and national agencies to mitigate the impact of possible energy shocks.
“We reject division and blame. The path forward requires unity,” the manifesto stated, emphasizing collective action to safeguard energy security and public welfare.
Despite uncertainties abroad, ACCESS stressed that local action remains crucial.
“The storms abroad are not our making, but the strength of our response is ours to decide,” the group added.
The manifesto underscores a call for solidarity, urging stakeholders to prioritize the common good in ensuring stable and accessible electricity for all./CJ, WDJ