By Xander Ledesma
Negros Electric and Power Corp. (Negros Power), a joint venture partner of Central Electric Cooperative (Ceneco), has officially commenced full operations after receiving a provisional Certificate for Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).
The CPCN was granted on October 16, 2024, enabling Negros Power to operate as the distribution utility for its franchise area, which includes Bacolod, Silay, Talisay, Bago, and the municipalities of Don Salvador Benedicto and Murcia in Negros Occidental.
Starting November 11, 2024, Negros Power will open customer care centers in several cities to provide various services, such as bill payments and new applications. However, consumers in Talisay are currently advised to settle their electricity bills through third-party collecting agents.
The company plans to issue its own electricity bills from November 16, and customers can settle payments at Negros Power offices or through accredited third-party agents. Negros Power will also introduce a new meter reading process, where meter readers will take photographs during field visits to ensure transparency and address any billing issues promptly.