The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has given the green light to Negros Electric and Power Corp.’s (NEPC) P3.73 billion capital expenditure program from 2024 to 2026, paving the way for major upgrades across its service areas in Central Negros.
Released only this Monday following its October 9 issuance, the approval covers 37 projects designed to strengthen power infrastructure and improve service reliability for more than 220,000 customers across Bacolod, Bago, Talisay, Silay, and the municipalities of Murcia and Don Salvador Benedicto.
The investment will go toward key improvements including replacement of aging lines and equipment, upgrading of substations, safety upgrades, underground cabling in priority areas, fixing low-voltage issues, and expanding facilities to meet growing demand. Eight projects are already fully completed, while 28 are ongoing and one remains in the planning stage.
The ERC noted the approved budget may still be adjusted based on actual spending and implementation reviews during future rate-setting processes, ensuring only reasonable and necessary costs are considered for recovery. The regulator emphasized the review process balances the company’s infrastructure needs with consumer interests, confirming investments are prudent and in the public’s best interest. A permit fee of P27.99 million has been assessed for the program.
This approval gives NEPC the regulatory certainty needed to move forward with critical upgrades that should translate to fewer outages, safer power delivery, and better service quality across Central Negros in the coming years.
