Negros Power Holds Visayas Power Forum To Promote Consumer Awareness On Electricity Prices And Grid Reliability

Negros Electric and Power Corporation (Negros Power), together with fellow distribution utilities under Primelectric Holdings, Inc., MORE Power and Bohol Light Company, recently convened key stakeholders for the Visayas Power Forum: Grid Reliability and Electricity Price Outlook, an initiative aimed at improving public understanding of the factors affecting electricity supply and pricing in the region.

Held on July 13, 2026 at the SMX Convention Center Bacolod, the forum brought together representatives from government agencies, regulators, the energy sector, business organizations, consumer groups, local government units, and the media to discuss current developments in the Visayas power industry.

Understanding Recent Electricity Price Increases

One of the main topics discussed during the forum was the reason behind the recent increase in electricity rates experienced by consumers across the Visayas.

Industry experts explained that higher electricity prices are largely driven by conditions in the power generation sector rather than by distribution utilities. The prolonged shutdown of several major power plants, limited transmission capacity, and reduced reserve power have resulted in recurring Yellow and Red Alert declarations within the Visayas Grid.

These supply constraints have contributed to higher prices in the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM), leading to increased generation charges reflected in monthly electricity bills.

Experts Share Industry Updates

The forum featured presentations from resource speakers representing various sectors of the energy industry.

Niel V. Parcon, Vice President for Corporate Energy Sourcing and Commercial Affairs of Primelectric Holdings, highlighted the importance of providing consumers with accurate and timely information about developments affecting the power sector. He emphasized that open communication among government agencies, regulators, industry stakeholders, and consumers plays a vital role in addressing current energy challenges.

Among the guest speakers were:

• Joseph Ladrido of the Institute of Contemporary Economics, who discussed the economic impact of electricity market price fluctuations and marginal losses.
• Engr. Robinson Descanzo, President of the Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines (IEMOP), who presented updates on the current power supply situation and operational outlook of the Visayas Grid.
• DOE Director Luningning Baltazar, who shared government initiatives designed to improve the reliability and adequacy of electricity supply.
• Antonette Badillo of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), who discussed regulatory measures intended to help lessen the effects of volatile electricity prices on consumers.

Promoting Transparency Through Dialogue

Participants also took part in an interactive open forum, where members of the media and various stakeholders were given the opportunity to raise questions and exchange insights with the panel of experts.

The discussions focused on electricity market conditions, supply outlook, and the challenges facing the Visayas power sector, providing attendees with a clearer understanding of how different factors influence electricity pricing.

Negros Power also reiterated that while distribution utilities are responsible for delivering electricity to consumers, generation charges are determined by prevailing market conditions and the availability of power supply within the grid.

Building an Informed Energy Community

Through initiatives such as the Visayas Power Forum, Negros Power continues to strengthen consumer education by providing a venue for meaningful discussions on electricity supply, pricing, and industry developments.

The company believes that promoting transparency and encouraging collaboration among stakeholders can help consumers better understand the complexities of the power sector while supporting efforts toward a more reliable, resilient, and sustainable energy future for the Visayas.