Negros: The Negros Electric and Power Corp. has replaced at least 13,308 outdated electric meters across its franchise area in central Negros to modernize customer metering as part of its broader system loss reduction program, data on Wednesday showed.
According to Philippines News Agency, following an intensified anti-pilferage campaign and sweeping technical upgrades, the power firm's system loss went down from 11.84 percent in August 2024 to only 8.03 percent by May 2025, breaching the interim cap of 8.25 percent set by the Energy Regulatory Commission.
In a statement, Negros Power said the dramatic drop signals significant progress in improving energy efficiency and curbing losses due to electricity theft and system irregularities. From November 2024 to June 25 this year, 789 illegal connections and 1,156 unauthorized load-side connections were uncovered during 1,704 enforcement operations.
Negros Power deployed 153 check meters and conducted monitoring in major barangays to swiftly detect anomalies, resulting in legal action with two criminal cases initially filed against persistent offenders. 'Our strategy is clear: clean up the grid, modernize our systems, and uphold accountability. These numbers show real impact - and this is just the beginning,' Negros Power president and chief executive officer Roel Castro said.
He urged consumers to take part in building a fairer energy system and a transparent, reliable power network by reporting anomalies and being vigilant. Negros Power earlier said the lower power rates in June 'resulted from strategic and efficient energy management,' noting that ongoing line rehabilitation and system upgrades are producing tangible benefits.
"The feeder loss rate improved to 8.03 percent (in May) from 8.28 percent (the previous) month, indicating that infrastructure investments enhance operational efficiency and reduce unnecessary power losses, contributing to overall cost reductions,' it said. Negros Power distributes electricity to the cities of Bacolod, Silay, Talisay, and Bago, as well as the municipalities of Don Salvador Benedicto and Murcia.
