The Negros Electric and Power Corp. (NEPC), a joint venture partner of Central Negros Electric Cooperative (Ceneco), aims to prioritize the replacement of aging electric poles once their Bacolod City operations commence.
NEPC’s president and CEO, Roel Castro, stated that this forms a crucial part of their plans to upgrade the distribution infrastructure, electric poles in particular, in various areas.
Castro draws a comparison to the ongoing replacement of electric poles in Iloilo City by their sister company, More Power. They are hopeful that the same operation in Bacolod City will be more seamless, as they aim to learn from the complications encountered in Iloilo.
Castro explained that they are just waiting for the Energy Regulatory Commission’s (ERC) approval of the Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) before August 1, which will allow them to start NEPC operations in Bacolod City.
Poised at Pole Position
The Senate on May 20 authorized the NEPC to operate as a new power distribution company in Central Negros, with the company partnering with Ceneco. The NEPC now only has to wait for the president’s signature for the bill to become law.
The company has set aside around Php 2 billion to purchase assets for their joint venture agreement (JVA) with Ceneco, as well as an additional P2 billion as working capital.
Ready for the Green Light
NPEC has already set up an office at the 2nd Floor East 3 Building of Robinsons East along Burgos Avenue, Bacolod City. This temporary HQ will house corporate and operational employees, as well as a customer care center, and will be operational before August 1. At the opening ceremony, Castro said “The opening of this office signifies our dedication to fulfilling our commitments to consumers. This office represents our headquarters and the consumers’ space.”
NPEC’s preparations are well under way in other areas as well. Initial stocks of brand-new electrical materials are set to be distributed to their Central Negros warehouses. The company has beefed up its vehicle fleet with from More Power, and has also started training employees and 24/7 helpline staff.