BACOLOD City – Concerned consumers in Negros Occidental have come together to establish the Alliance of Concerned Consumers in Electricity and Social Services (ACCESS), a group aimed at safeguarding consumer rights and welfare, particularly in matters of electricity and social services.
The group, composed of various consumer organizations, multisectoral groups, transport and business sectors, and homeowners associations, seeks to advocate for stronger consumer protection in the province.
On October 15, ACCESS held its formal launching and induction of officers in Bacolod City, with ACCESS president Wennie Sancho leading the group in taking their oath of office before Negros Press Club president Erwin Delilan.
The organization aims to serve as an advisory body on vital issues affecting consumers’ rights, especially those related to policies and programs of distribution utilities (DUs).
ACCESS will act as a mediator in resolving conflicts between consumers and DUs through dialogue and customary conflict resolution processes.
It also plans to institutionalize consultations with DUs to ensure a secure, reliable, and affordable power supply for consumers. Furthermore, the alliance expressed its support for DUs in addressing power pilferage and system losses, which negatively impact the quality and cost of electricity services.
During the event, ACCESS signed a consumer covenant and voiced its support for an appeal to the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) for the issuance of a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN). This certificate would authorize the operation of a power distribution system for Bacolod, Silay, Talisay, Bago, and the municipalities of Don Salvador Benedicto and Murcia in Negros Occidental.
ACCESS is also expected to coordinate with local government units and DUs in monitoring and reporting activities that may sabotage the infrastructure and equipment of Negros Electric and Power Corporation (Negros Power), potentially leading to operational disruptions.
The group aims to enhance cooperation between consumers and distribution utilities while ensuring the integrity and reliability of the power supply in the province./PN
