Bacolod Councilor Secures Commitment to End Controversial Power Charge by October 2025

Bacolod City Councilor Wilson Gamboa Jr. held discussions with key executives from Negros Electric and Power Corporation (Negros Power) on September 17 regarding the ongoing collection of the Reinvestment Fund for Sustainable Capital Expenditures (RFSC). The RFSC charge has been contested following the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) Resolution No. 20, Series of 2009, which deems such fees illegal for privately held corporations like Negros Power.

During the meeting, Gamboa met with Leomel Tambanillo, AVP for Rural Electrification; Christian Villena, Manager for Corporate Sourcing and Regulatory Affairs; Maricel Pe, AVP Customer Care and Business Development; and Mervin Dalian, head of Network Development and Operations. The councilor underscored concerns that the RFSC collection could generate approximately ₱300 million annually based solely on primary power consumption.

Negros Power officials presented an "unpublished ERC order, ERC Case No. 2024-037 MC promulgated October 16, 2024," which grants them provisional authority and interim relief to collect the current Distribution, Supply, and Metering rate of CENECO, explicitly including the RFSC. This interim relief is set for a duration of one year from the date of receipt of the order.

Councilor Gamboa noted, however, that the October 16 ERC order had not been publicly posted on Negros Power’s website. Instead, an earlier version dated September 24, 2024, was displayed, which does not authorize the collection of the RFSC, nor does Negros Power hold a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) or any official interim relief permitting the charge.

"The September 24 order lacks any mention of the RFSC, while the unpublished October 16 promulgation includes it," Gamboa explained. Despite these discrepancies, the councilor obtained a firm assurance from Negros Power that the RFSC collection will end by October 2025, coinciding with their application for new distribution rate approval.

Gamboa, who chairs the Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Human Rights, emphasized his unwavering stance on the matter based on legal and ethical considerations. He praised Negros Power’s responsiveness, calling their commitment a positive advancement toward consumer protection and transparency.

"This decision is a significant relief for Bacolod residents and those in communities served by Negros Power," Gamboa stated. "However, my office will remain vigilant, continuously monitoring compliance and coordinating with both Negros Power and the ERC to ensure that promises are honored and consumer interests safeguarded."