In a significant move towards enhancing rural electrification, Negros Electric and Power Corp. (Negros Power) has announced plans to extend electricity to more remote communities within its franchise area over the next three years. This commitment follows the successful connection of three sub-communities to the grid in December 2024, marking a pivotal step in the company’s broader electrification strategy.
The communities that have already benefited from this initiative include Purok 8 in Barangay Alangilan, Bacolod City; Sitio Bocboc in Barangay Concepcion, Talisay City; and Purok Citrus in Barangay Bunga, Don Salvador Benedicto. In Purok 8, 37 out of 64 households now enjoy electricity, while in Sitio Bocboc, 20 out of 35 households have been connected. Purok Citrus, accessible only after a challenging trek of over a kilometer from the main road, saw 47 households connected to the grid.
Roel Castro, President and CEO of Negros Power, emphasized the profound impact of these projects, stating, “These initial three sitio electrification projects are more than just technical achievements; they are a testament to the power of compassion and the transformative impact of bringing light into the lives of those living in darkness.”
Bernard Bailey del Castillo, the Chief Operating Officer, expressed satisfaction with the progress, noting, “Our goal was to bring light to these sitios before the year ended, and we have achieved that. More sitios will be energized in the next three years.”
Negros Power, a joint venture with Central Negros Electric Cooperative, serves the cities of Bacolod, Silay, Talisay, and Bago, as well as the municipalities of Don Salvador Benedicto and Murcia. The company, which began full operations in November 2024 after receiving a 25-year franchise and a provisional certificate from the Energy Regulatory Commission, is also undertaking a major rehabilitation and standardization of the aging power distribution system in central Negros. This effort is part of a PHP2.1-billion five-year development plan aimed at improving service reliability and expanding coverage.