Bacolod City Council Calls for Transparency from Ceneco Through General Assembly
The Bacolod City Council has taken a decisive step toward ensuring accountability in the local power sector by approving a resolution that urges the Board of Directors of the Central Negros Electric Cooperative (Ceneco) to issue a resolution calling for a general assembly of all its member-owners across its franchise areas. This move aims to address growing concerns over transparency and consumer protection following significant structural changes in the utility.
Background on Ceneco's Consolidation with Negros Power
Councilor Wilson Gamboa Jr., the author of the resolution, highlighted that Ceneco, an electric cooperative in the Philippines, underwent a major consolidation into Negros Power on July 31, 2024. This consolidation occurred after Prime Electric entered into a Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) with Ceneco, resulting in Negros Power taking ownership of all of Ceneco's power assets. Despite this transition, households within the franchise area remain as members-owners of Ceneco, necessitating clear communication about the cooperative's current status.
Lack of Reporting Since the Joint Venture Agreement
Gamboa pointed out that since the inception of Ceneco's JVA with Negros Power in 2022, no general assembly has been convened to formally report on critical aspects of the cooperative's operations. He emphasized that member-owners must be fully informed about Ceneco's current financial standing, remaining assets, and continuing obligations after the consolidation with Negros Electric and Power Corporation (Negros Power). This gap in communication has raised questions about accountability and consumer rights.
Cooperative Obligations and Consumer Protection
As chairperson of the City Council committee on human rights, Gamboa stressed that Ceneco, as a cooperative, has a continuing obligation to its member-owners. This includes reporting on remaining funds and obligations, accounting for assets retained or transferred under the JVA, clarifying the status of members' equity and capital contributions, and explaining how consumer interests are protected. Transparency is crucial, especially amid ongoing public concerns over electricity rates, service reliability, and long-term power infrastructure planning in the region.
Strengthening Public Trust Through a General Assembly
Gamboa argued that convening a general assembly would not only provide much-needed clarity but also strengthen public trust. He noted that such an assembly would ensure all actions taken under the JVA align with the principles of cooperative governance and consumer protection, following the major structural changes in the power distribution utility. By fostering open dialogue, Ceneco can address member-owners' questions and reaffirm its commitment to serving the community effectively.
