THE 19-month-old Enrique K. Razon Jr. (EKRJ)-led Negros Power recently held a press conference in Bacolod City, announcing the establishment of two state-of-the-art 69-kilovolt (kV) power substations.
The Capitol substation, located behind the Ayala Malls area, is set to be commissioned within the year, while Megaworld’s The Upper East substation is scheduled to become operational next year.
Engr. Joe-Mel Zaporteza, the firm’s vice president and chief operating officer, said these upcoming substations form part of Negros Power’s commitment to upgrade and modernize power distribution services in Bacolod, Bago, Talisay, and Silay cities, as well as the municipalities of Murcia and Don Salvador Benedicto.
This will be followed by a series of pole replacements, line rehabilitation, and other system upgrade works.
‘SUPER AHEAD’
It must be recalled that when Negros Power took over power distribution operations from the Central Negros Electric Cooperative (CENECO) in August 2024, it committed to invest P2.1 billion in capital expenditures (CAPEX) over five years.
That promise has remained firmly etched in the minds of more than 220,000 consumers in central Negros Occidental.
But according to Engr. Zaporteza, Negros Power has no intention of failing its consumers.
In fact, in just 19 months of operations, the company has already spent more than P1.3 billion on various upgrade initiatives.
In terms of accomplishments, Negros Power has reached 39 percent completion of its rehabilitation works — nine percentage points ahead of its 30 percent target for the same period.
With this pace, Zaporteza expressed confidence that the company will achieve 100 percent completion of its rehabilitation and upgrade program “super ahead” of its five-year plan.
CHALLENGES, CONFIDENCE
Zaporteza, however, did not downplay the challenges that may arise.
These include adverse weather conditions, global fuel crises, and even political uncertainties leading up to the 2028 elections.
Despite these, he remains confident that the company can overcome both anticipated and unforeseen hurdles.
“Focus is key,” he emphasized.
Zaporteza expressed optimism that the company’s promises to consumers in Bacolod and across Negros Occidental will soon be fully realized.
CLAIMING HONESTY
Zaporteza’s statements during the press conference can be summed up as a declaration of honesty.
As Negros Power builds its name and reputation, it is also navigating what may be called industrial honesty.
The concept may sound highly technical, but it essentially refers to prioritizing truth, accuracy, and evidence over personal belief, ego, or short-term gains.
It also involves a commitment to transparent communication, acknowledging limitations, and maintaining integrity — even when the facts are uncomfortable.
In his PowerPoint presentation, Zaporteza appeared serious and well-versed in his subject matter.
In what could be described as a “technical confession,” it was evident that he spoke candidly — without unnecessary embellishments or “bling.”
BUILDING INTEGRITY
Beyond claiming honesty, Zaporteza’s presentation before the media also reflected an effort to build institutional integrity for Negros Power — EKRJ’s relatively young venture.
In the energy sector, building integrity is no simple task.
It involves navigating complex technological challenges, ensuring data transparency, and adhering to strict regulatory and ethical standards.
Yet Zaporteza demonstrated confidence in presenting facts and figures backed by substance and relevance — an approach that reinforces credibility.
TO BE BELIEVABLE
Drawing from 11 years of experience with two major energy companies, one key lesson stands out: a company must always strive to be believable.
Reputation is everything in the power industry.
Promises made to stakeholders and host communities must always be matched with sincerity and the capability to deliver.
Public trust is invaluable.
In this industry, it is far better to acknowledge weaknesses and limitations than to make commitments that cannot be fulfilled.
Competition is intense — false promises are simply unacceptable.
PROMISE IS A PROMISE
I believe EKRJ will not allow any of his businesses — especially Negros Power — to make empty promises.
With Roel Castro at the helm as president and CEO, there is little doubt that consumer confidence will remain intact.
Castro is not only performance-driven; he is results-oriented and refuses to settle for mediocrity.
He upholds standards that consistently set him apart as a leader.
For him, a promise is a promise.
Having worked with him, I can attest that he does not speak unless he is certain that what he says can be delivered.
As Negros Power navigates industrial honesty and integrity, I am confident that, under EKRJ’s mandate and Castro’s leadership, the company will not disappoint Bacolodnons and Negrenses.
Negros Power is poised to deliver real, meaningful service — affordable yet reliable electricity, no less, no more.
Because behind every promise lies a commitment to improve the welfare of consumers through efficient and effective service./PN
