Negros oriental: The Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI) has welcomed the additional baseload power secured by the province's two electric cooperatives, stating that it will aid in meeting the growing electricity demand of consumers.

According to Philippines News Agency, NOCCI president Edward Du expressed in a Friday interview that while the additional supply for Negros Oriental I Electric Cooperative (NORECO I) and Negros Oriental II Electric Cooperative (NORECO II) is a positive step, it may not suffice when major investors begin operations in the province. Du emphasized that the current allocation of 5.2 Megawatts (MW) for both cooperatives provides an immediate, albeit temporary, solution to the power challenges.

Du likened the situation to a temporary relief, describing it as a "shot in the arm" that addresses immediate concerns but falls short of resolving ongoing issues. He praised the government's intervention and expressed the business sector's anticipation for further resolutions to the energy crisis affecting Visayas and Mindanao.

Under the new agreements, NORECO I will receive 1.6 MW, while NORECO II will benefit from 3.6 MW. These allocations are part of a 24 MW geothermal baseload power distribution to 10 electric cooperatives in the Visayas, facilitated through 15-year power supply agreements with First Gen. The National Electrification Administration's Competitive Selection Process for Luzon and Visayas Electric Cooperatives Aggregation enabled these contracts to enhance bargaining power and secure favorable electricity rates and supply terms.

Du also urged NORECO II to resolve the low-voltage issues highlighted by NOCCI and other business groups, such as the Negros Oriental Hotel Resort and Restaurant Association and the Negros Oriental Divers Association. The power supply agreements involve 19 electric cooperatives in Luzon and 10 in the Visayas, partnered with six power generation companies.