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Consumer groups in Negros gathered in Bacolod City on April 30, 2026, as concerns mount over thinning power reserves in the Visayas grid, which stakeholders warn could heighten the risk of supply instability.
The Alliance of Concerned Consumers in Electricity and Social Services (ACCESS) and the Alliance of Consumers in Northern Negros (ACNN) held the Central and Northern Negros Consumers Conference to push for urgent interventions from energy authorities and industry players.
Thin Reserves
ACCESS president Wennie Sancho said Department of Energy (DOE) data shows the Visayas grid is operating with critically low reserves, particularly during peak demand when major power plants experience forced outages.
“We are alarmed by the apparent inadequacy of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) to absorb the influx of various renewable energy projects without frequency disturbance. While we support the transition to clean energy, the grid must be ready,” Sancho said.
The concern reflects broader challenges in integrating renewable energy into the grid while maintaining stability, especially in regions with limited reserve margins.
Faster Transmission Needed
Sancho said the conference served as a platform to establish direct dialogue with Negros Electric and Power Corp. and other stakeholders, with participants demanding immediate action from the DOE and NGCP.
Key proposals include fast-tracking approved transmission projects and securing sufficient ancillary services to stabilize grid frequency amid the growing share of renewable energy.
The groups are also evaluating an unsolicited proposal involving partnership and capital infusion that could replicate system improvements seen under the Negros Power–CENECO model. They are urging the Northern Negros Electric Cooperative (NONECO) to consider such proposals transparently.
Unified Consumer Agenda
The gathering aims to consolidate consumer concerns into a Northern Negros Consumers Power Agenda (NNCPA), which will be submitted to the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), DOE, NGCP, National Electrification Administration (NEA), and Congress.
Sancho said the agenda reflects the collective position of consumers across key areas, including San Carlos, Sagay, Bacolod, and Victorias, ahead of any potential power supply disruptions.
ACNN officers also issued an urgent call backing the proposed partnership between NONECO and Negros Power, signaling support for initiatives seen to improve service reliability and operational efficiency.
Strengthening Collaboration
The conference featured the induction of ACNN officers led by Pastor Efraim Tapang as president, with CENECO Acting General Manager Atty. Arnel Lapore serving as the induction officer. CENECO president Dwight Carbon also delivered a solidarity message.
Sancho said the event is intended to strengthen collaboration among electricity consumers, distribution utilities, and electric cooperatives as the region navigates mounting energy challenges.
He emphasized that building partnerships will be crucial in addressing both immediate supply risks and longer-term concerns tied to the country’s energy transition and ongoing oil and power market pressures.
Source:
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/bacolod/central-northern-negros-consumers-to-convene-on-power-crisis
https://visayandailystar.com/expecting-power-crisis-negros-power-consumers-convene/
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/bacolod/visayas-faces-frequent-power-alerts-in-2026