By CESAR JOLITO III
Consumer groups in Central and Northern Negros are set to convene a conference on Thursday, April 30, to address growing concerns over power supply stability and grid reliability in the Visayas.
The Alliance of Concerned Consumers in Electricity and Social Services (ACCESS), led by its president, Wennie Sancho, in partnership with the Alliance of Consumers in Northern Negros (ACNN), will host the Central and Northern Negros Consumers Conference from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at the Orange Room of Lopuez East Building.
The gathering comes amid reported thinning energy reserves in the Visayas grid.
According to data from the Department of Energy (DOE), the grid has been operating with critically low reserves, particularly during peak hours and when major power plants experience forced outages.
Sancho raised concerns over the capacity of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) to handle the increasing integration of renewable energy sources without causing frequency disturbances.
While emphasizing support for the transition to clean energy, he noted that grid readiness remains a key issue.
The conference aims to open direct dialogue between consumers, Negros Electric and Power Corp. (Negros Power), and other stakeholders.
Participants are expected to call on the DOE and NGCP to fast-track transmission projects and ensure the procurement of adequate ancillary services to stabilize the grid.
Organizers also plan to evaluate proposals for partnerships and capital infusion that could replicate improvements seen in the Negros Power and Central Negros Electric Cooperative (Ceneco) model.
The ACNN is expected to issue a formal statement supporting a proposed partnership between Northern Negros Electric Cooperative (Noneco) and Negros Power.
Representatives from various localities, from San Carlos City to Sagay City and from Bacolod to Victorias City, are expected to attend and consolidate a Northern Negros Consumers Power Agenda.
The document will be submitted to key agencies, including the Energy Regulatory Commission, DOE, NGCP, National Electrification Administration, and Congress, ahead of any potential power supply disruptions.
Engineer Joe Mel Zaposteza, Negros Power vice president and chief operating officer, has been invited to present updates on the company’s five-year development plan.
During the event, ACCESS will also present a resolution commending the company for its service standards and consumer-focused initiatives.
The activity will also include the induction of ACNN officers, with Pastor Efraim Tapang set to assume the presidency.
The induction will be led by Ceneco Acting General Manager Arnel Lapore, while Ceneco President Dwight Carbon is expected to deliver a solidarity message.
Sancho said the conference seeks to strengthen collaboration between consumers, electric cooperatives, and distribution utilities in addressing ongoing energy challenges, including rising fuel costs and supply constraints./CJ, WDJ