By CESAR JOLITO III

The Negros Occidental provincial government has formally launched its expanded community solar program following the success of its solarization initiative that reduced electricity costs in major provincial government buildings by around 50 percent.

Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said the savings came from the solarization project proposed by former governor and now provincial consultant on energy and environment Rafael Lito Coscolluela.

According to Lacson, the reduced electricity expenses from solar-powered facilities, including the provincial capitol, could now be redirected to fund renewable energy projects in smaller communities across the province.

The initiative was formally launched on May 7 during the opening of Renewable Energy Week 2026 Expo.

Lacson said the province is not only focused on solarizing government buildings but also aims to extend renewable energy solutions to communities needing more affordable and sustainable power sources.

He added that the provincial government is also looking into helping irrigators transition from fuel-powered irrigation systems to solar-powered alternatives to lower operational costs.

The governor said the 50 percent savings from electricity expenses can now be utilized for additional renewable energy initiatives since these costs had already been included in the provincial government’s budget./CJ, WDJ