JUST RECENTLY, the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) recognized the billionaire Enrique K. Razon Jr.-led Negros Power for its leadership in promoting clean energy.
The citation reflects Negros Power’s growing role as one of the leading users of renewable energy (RE) in the Visayas. As the sole power distributor serving central Negros Occidental, including Bacolod City, the company has also emerged as a strong advocate of the government’s Net-Metering Program (NMP).
Records show that Negros Power distributes about 113 megawatts (MW) of electricity monthly to more than 200,000 consumers. Of this total, around 40 MW, or 35 percent, comes from renewable energy sources.
This clearly shows that the company’s pursuit of renewable energy is steadily taking shape, barely two years after it began operations.
It is not merely because of a simple commitment to say “Yes to RE!” Rather, it reflects a broader mission to provide clean, sustainable, and affordable electricity whenever and wherever possible.
What are the sources of this clean energy?
They include geothermal energy, solar power, wind energy, and run-of-river hydropower.
NEW NORM
Now, let us take a closer look at the Net-Metering Program.
What exactly is it?
According to the Department of Energy (DOE), the NMP is an incentive scheme established under the Renewable Energy Act of 2008.
The program allows electricity consumers to install qualified renewable energy systems, such as solar panels, with a capacity of up to 100 kilowatt-peak (kWp).
Any excess electricity generated by these systems may then be exported to the power grid, allowing consumers to earn credits that help reduce their monthly electricity bills.
Even before Negros Power assumed operations, the Central Negros Electric Cooperative (CENECO) had already been implementing the program.
Thus, when Negros Power took over CENECO’s power distribution operations in August 2024, it also inherited the implementation of the NMP.
To date, according to Engr. Leomel “Bong” Tambanillo, Negros Power’s assistant vice president for planning and development and the Sitio Electrification Program, the company now has 1,471 net-metering customers with a combined installed capacity of 23,797 kWp.
The breakdown is as follows:
• Bacolod City – 1,141 customers (18,289 kWp)
• Talisay City – 199 customers (2,177 kWp)
• Silay City – 65 customers (1,352 kWp)
• Bago City – 43 customers (990 kWp)
• Murcia – 17 customers (941 kWp)
• Don Salvador Benedicto – 6 customers (49 kWp)
See?
Net-metering is gradually becoming the new norm—not only in the Visayas but, indeed, across the globe.
BENEFITS, DRAWBACKS
Like any government energy initiative, however, the Net-Metering Program has both advantages and limitations.
On the positive side, it can significantly reduce electricity bills while helping consumers recover their investment in solar systems more quickly.
The export of excess electricity also helps ease pressure on the power grid during periods of high daytime demand.
Overall, the program contributes to improving the stability of the local power supply.
However, several obstacles discourage potential subscribers. These include tedious paperwork, technical evaluations, the installation of bi-directional meters, and the need to secure utility approval.
Another concern is the unpredictable credit rate for every kilowatt-hour of electricity exported to the grid.
Perhaps the biggest drawback is that solar-powered systems automatically shut down during grid outages unless the consumer has installed a battery backup system.
MORAL CONSOLATION
Beyond the Net-Metering Program, what makes Negros Power stand out is its long-term commitment to reducing carbon emissions.
It is certainly an uphill battle in an era marked by rapid modernization and industrialization.
Still, sourcing 35 percent of its monthly power supply from renewable energy is already a commendable achievement.
It also suggests that, given the opportunity, the Razon-led distribution utility would be more than willing to move toward 100 percent renewable energy in serving Bacolodnons and Negrosanons.
In that sense, Negros Power’s mission offers more than reliable electricity. It also provides a sense of moral fulfillment by embracing the ethical responsibility of protecting the environment for future generations.
The benefits may not always be visible, but they are certainly tangible.
That is how Negros Power plays its cards in the power industry.
Beyond generating revenues, the company appears determined to fulfill its responsibility by creating a positive environmental impact for its consumers.
Its mission extends beyond business.
With the Net-Metering Program serving as its moral compass, Negros Power seems to be moving in the right direction—toward greater reliance on renewable energy and the lasting benefits it can bring to public health, the environment, and generations yet to come.
It is a weighty thought.
One that deserves careful reflection.
But one thing is becoming increasingly clear: Negros Power’s Net-Metering Program is steadily gaining ground under the leadership of Engr. Tambanillo, who continues to champion its expansion.
Should the company eventually realize its long-term aspirations, Negros Power may ultimately be remembered not only as an electricity distributor but also as a champion of clean living by empowering society through green energy.
That is a promising horizon worthy of everyone’s support.
Indeed, it is a purposeful mission—one that champions net-metering in pursuit of a greener future for Bacolodnons and Negrosanons.
May the Razon-led power firm successfully bring that vision to fruition soon./PN
