A unit of power distribution utility MORE Power Iloilo is seeking a joint venture agreement with an electric cooperative in Negros Occidental to address illegal power tapping in the province amid tight supply.
Local officials said Central Negros Electric Cooperative’s (Ceneco) potential partnership with Primelectric Holdings Inc. could “significantly improve” electricity supply, as some areas remained underserved, resulting in power pilferage or electricity theft.
“All stakeholders concur that Ceneco’s efficiency is lacking. Providing quality service and promptly addressing power-related issues are of utmost importance to them,” Vice Gov. Jeffrey Ferrer said at a recent forum.
Over the past month, Ceneco has been under public scrutiny over frequent power interruptions within its franchise area, affecting thousands of residents.
Ceneco currently serves over 200,000 customers in the province.
The Bacolod City Council has also called on Ceneco to provide regular reports on how the electric cooperative is addressing power outages.
Primelectric president and CEO Roel Castro said they were hoping to hold a referendum for the agreement within this year, adding that the company was committed to making “substantial investments” to rehabilitate and modernize the power distribution within Ceneco’s franchise area.