The Alliance of Concerned Consumers in Electricity and Social Services (Access), together with the Alliance of Consumers in Northern Negros (ACNN), will hold the Central and Northern Negros Consumers Conference in Bacolod City on April 30, 2026. The event aims to tackle the critical energy situation in the Visayas grid.
Concerns Over Energy Reserves
Wennie Sancho, president of Access, expressed deep concern over the thinning energy reserve in the Visayas grid. According to Department of Energy (DOE) records, the grid is operating with critically low reserves, especially during peak hours when major power plants undergo 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 stated.
Conference Objectives
The conference seeks to establish direct dialogue with Negros Electric and Power Corp. and other stakeholders. Key demands include immediate action from NGCP and DOE to address the thin reserve through fast-tracking approved transmission projects and procuring sufficient ancillary services to stabilize frequency amid renewable energy integration.
Sancho noted that ACNN officers will issue an urgent call to support the intended partnership between the Northern Negros Electric Cooperative, Inc. (Noneco) and Negros Power. The conference aims to unify consumer voices from San Carlos to Sagay and from Bacolod to Victorias, finalizing a Northern Negros Consumers Power Agenda (NNCPA) for submission to the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), DOE, NGCP, National Electrification Administration (NEA), and Congress before the next power supply crisis.
Induction of Officers
The event will feature the induction of ACNN officers, led by Pastor Efraim Tapang as ACNN president, with Atty. Arnel Lapore, CENECO Acting General Manager, serving as induction officer.
Sancho emphasized that the conference will serve as a partnership between electricity consumers, distribution utilities, and electric cooperatives, particularly in confronting the oil and energy crisis.
