NEA assessing NEPC, CENECO joint venture for Central Negros' power industry

The National Electrification Administration (NEA) has convened to assess the joint venture agreement of the Primelectric or the Negros Electric and Power Corporation (NEPC) and the Central Negros Electric Cooperative, Inc. (CENECO) to ensure quality service to consumers.

According to NEA Administrator Antonio Almeda, aside from scrutinizing CENECO's donated capital and viability, the board will also address the concerns of those who oppose improving the JVA of the involved parties.

"I hope we can address the concerns of the oppositors. We must also consider them. Regarding the participation of the Member-Consumer-Owners, it has been concluded during the plebiscite so we will put this into motion with all the required legal objectivity,” Almeda said in a statement.

The NEPC and the CENECO presented before the NEA board in order to tackle its joint venture, including the agreement’s implications to strengthen its service to the consumers.

“This venture seeks to magnify the electric industry in Central Negros by not just streamlining the internal and external operations of concerned parties but also rehabilitating and modernizing the distribution system, which is deemed crucial in providing quality service to our consumers,” NEPC president Roel Castro said during the meeting.

Meanwhile, CENECO acting general manager Atty. Arnel Lapore also backed the critical role the JVA plays in the area, noting that it “strongly” supports the NEA’s goal to achieve efficient service for all consumers.

“I’m one with NEA in facilitating the service for the benefit of our consumers. That’s why I strongly support and cooperate through this JVA to ensure we deliver quality operations internally and externally. Rest assured that we duly consider all the suggestions raised by Admin Almeda during the hearing,” Lapore said.

Castro also said that the NEPC’s target P2.1 billion investment in the capex of its operations is aimed at putting up cutting-edge and top-of-the-line systems for a better consumer experience.

“We need to rehabilitate the system because if you don’t put in the additional P2 billion investment or even bigger, you will be inheriting a distribution system that is just the same as now that is inefficient. That’s why we have to put (the investment) in P2.1 billion to start rehabilitating and improving the system,” Castro said.

The NEPC vowed to work closely with the NEA along with other agencies involved "to substantiate the NEA’s goal for the nation."

“We will ensure that Primelectric/NEPC will collaborate with NEA and CENECO because we have the same mission to bring light to the progression of the Filipino people and make their lives even more comfortable,” Castro said. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA Integrated News