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Consumer leaders and church-based advocates in Northern Negros have formally organized the Alliance of Consumers in Northern Negros (ACNN) amid warnings of possible electricity supply constraints in the Visayas, including the Negros Island Region (NIR).
The alliance was launched on February 14 in Bacolod City following advisories from the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), and the Department of Energy (DOE) on projected power shortfalls in the region.
Organizers said the move aims to consolidate consumer representation and prepare households and businesses for potential challenges in the power sector.
Unified Consumer Representation
In a press statement, ACNN said it seeks to serve as a unified voice for electricity consumers, particularly those within the franchise area of the Negros Occidental Electric Cooperative (NONECO). The group plans to address service inefficiencies and reliability concerns through structured consultations and sustained dialogue with the cooperative’s management.
Wennie Sancho, president of the Alliance of Concerned Consumers in Electricity and Social Services (Access), said the general assembly was organized to help consumers confront industry challenges.
“This forum is in preparation for the electricity consumers in northern Negros to face the challenges of the power industry, particularly on the projected shortfall of electricity in the Visayas, including Negros Island Region, as announced by National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) and Department of Energy (DOE),” he said.
Sancho added that ACNN is supported by Access and Power Watch Negros Advocates, which assisted in organizing the assembly.
Proposed Partnership
Among the key topics discussed during the launch was the proposed partnership between Negros Electric and Power Corporation (Negros Power) and NONECO. The partnership aims to rehabilitate and modernize aging power infrastructure in Northern Negros.
Sancho said the collaboration promises infrastructure upgrades, outage reduction, and more reliable and affordable electricity service for more than 200,000 consumers from E. B. Magalona to San Carlos. “This would bring in technical expertise, capital innovation and continuous consumers consultation to ensure that the interests of the consumers are protected,” he said.
ACNN leaders emphasized that any reform initiative must prioritize consumer welfare, system reliability, and long-term energy security. The group also expressed openness to the proposed partnership, provided consumer interests remain central to decision-making.
Consumer Education
To strengthen engagement, ACNN will roll out a Consumer Education and Awareness Program (CEAP), aimed at informing consumers of their rights and responsibilities while encouraging participation in decisions related to partnerships and system improvements.
Sancho described the alliance as part of a broader movement for consumer empowerment. “A new consumer movement in northern Negros is rising for consumer empowerment and protection,” he said, adding that informed consumers are key to sustainable and equitable energy development.
During the inaugural assembly, officers for the 2026–2027 term were elected. Pastor Efraim Tapang was named president, with Pastor Juralden Enerez as vice president. Jean Lopez will serve as secretary, and Pastor Israel Bais as treasurer. Pastor Joel Trinidad was elected press relations officer.
Members of the board of directors include Pastor Paquito Montilla, Pastor Rejoy Palara, Jonel Despares, and Niel Tingson. Dr. Melvin Mangana, Pastor Jupiter Arela, and Sancho were designated as coordinators. Lawyer Arnel Lapore is set to induct the elected and appointed officials.
ACNN said it will continue expanding its membership and engaging stakeholders to ensure that consumer interests remain represented in policy discussions and power sector reforms.
Source:
https://www.panaynews.net/northern-negros-consumers-unite-amid-looming-visayas-power-shortage
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/bacolod/visayas-faces-frequent-power-alerts-in-2026