Electricity consumers in Northern Negros are facing a dual development this January: an immediate increase in power rates and a proposed long-term partnership aimed at improving services. The Northern Negros Electric Cooperative, Inc. (Noneco) has announced a rate adjustment of P0.19 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for this month.
Consumer Group Backs Proposed Power Partnership
Amidst this rate adjustment, a key consumer advocacy group has thrown its support behind a major structural change. The Alliance of Concerned Consumers in Electricity and Social Services (Access) has expressed full support for a proposed joint venture agreement (JVA) between Negros Power and Noneco.
Access President Wennie Sancho stated that the partnership is seen as a crucial solution to longstanding issues of inefficient service and inadequate power supply in Northern Negros. He believes the collaboration, facilitated by the JVA, is poised to significantly enhance power services to meet growing demand.
Leveraging Success from Central Negros
Sancho pointed to the successful collaboration between Negros Power and the Central Negros Electric Cooperative, Inc. (Ceneco) as a promising model. He indicated that this new initiative promises numerous benefits for end-users in the northern part of the island.
In support of this endeavor, Access and the Power Watch Negros secretary are actively assisting consumers in Northern Negros. Their goal is to solidify the formation of the Alliance of Consumers in Northern Negros (ACNN). This unified group aims to advocate for affordable and reliable power supply for the people.
Key Advantages of the Proposed Joint Venture
Sancho outlined several key advantages that compelled Access to endorse the proposal:
- Improved Infrastructure: The partnership can leverage Negros Power's expertise to upgrade Noneco's aging infrastructure, potentially leading to reduced outages and better overall service quality.
- Increased Efficiency and Reliability: Consumers can expect a more stable and dependable power supply through operational improvements.
- More Responsive Service: The partnership may introduce innovative solutions and best practices from the energy sector, leading to more accountable and consumer-centric services.
Furthermore, Sancho emphasized that a strengthened ACNN will provide a powerful, unified voice for consumers. This ensures that their interests are actively represented in the partnership's future decision-making processes.
"This collaboration has the potential to create a more robust and consumer-centric power service framework in Northern Negros," Sancho said. He added that this aligns perfectly with the core goals of both Access and the ACNN to promote efficient and reliable energy access for all.
The announcement of the rate hike and the push for the JVA come at a critical time for residents and businesses in the area, highlighting the ongoing challenges and potential solutions within the region's power sector.
