BACOLOD City — Consumer leaders in Northern Negros have formally organized the Alliance of Consumers in Northern Negros (ACNN) in response to projected power supply constraints in the Visayas, including the Negros Island Region (NIR).
The formation of the alliance on February 14, followed advisories issued by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) and the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) warning of potential supply shortfalls in the region, according to an ACNN press statement.
ACNN said it aims to serve as a unified voice for electricity consumers, particularly those within the franchise area of the Negros Occidental Electric Cooperative (NONECO). The group plans to address concerns over service inefficiencies and power reliability through structured consultations and sustained dialogue with the cooperative’s management.
The alliance also expressed openness to the proposed partnership between Negros Electric and Power Corporation (Negros Power) and NONECO, which seeks to rehabilitate and modernize aging infrastructure to improve operational efficiency and enhance service delivery.
ACNN leaders emphasized that any reform initiative must prioritize consumer welfare, system reliability, and long-term energy security.
To strengthen public engagement, the alliance will roll out a Consumer Education and Awareness Program (CEAP) with the support of ACCESS and Power Watch Negros Advocates. The program aims to empower consumers with knowledge of their rights and responsibilities while encouraging active participation in key decisions, particularly those involving potential partnerships and system upgrades.
Organizers said the initiative seeks to promote transparency, accountability, and consumer-centered governance in the power sector at a time when a stable electricity supply is crucial to households, businesses, and essential services.
During its inaugural assembly, ACNN elected its officers for the 2026–2027 term. Pastor Efraim Tapang was elected president, with Pastor Juralden Enerez as vice president. Jean Lopez will serve as secretary, while Pastor Israel Bais was chosen as treasurer. Pastor Joel Trinidad was named press relations officer. The board of directors is composed of Pastor Paquito Montilla, Pastor Rejoy Palara, Jonel Despares, and Niel Tingson. Meanwhile, Dr. Melvin Mangana, Pastor Jupiter Arela, and Wennie Sancho were designated as coordinators.
ACNN said it will continue expanding its membership and engaging stakeholders to ensure that the interests of Northern Negros electricity consumers remain at the forefront of policy discussions and sector reforms./PN
