DUMAGUETE CITY — The push to secure the long‑term future of electricity distribution in central and southern Negros Oriental took a major step forward as provincial leaders and officials of the Negros Oriental II Electric Cooperative (NORECO II) met at the House of Representatives to discuss the cooperative’s franchise renewal bill. The proposed legislation aims to ensure uninterrupted, modernized power service for over 183,000 member‑consumers across three cities and 11 municipalities.
Unified Leadership Pushes for Renewal
Congresswoman Ma. Isabel “Maisa” L. Sagarbarria convened the meeting alongside Governor Manuel “Chaco” L. Sagarbarria and Dumaguete City Mayor Manuel T. Sagarbarria. They were joined by the NORECO II Board of Directors, led by Chairperson Alma F. Ramirez, and General Manager Atty. Fe Marie D. Tagle. The gathering signaled a united front among the province’s top elected officials and the cooperative’s management.
The presence of the entire board and key executives underscored the urgency of the legislative action. The proposed measure, titled “An Act Renewing and Granting to the Negros Oriental II Electric Cooperative (NORECO II) a Franchise to Establish, Operate, Manage, and Expand Electric Power Distribution Facilities for the Delivery of Electricity to End Users,” would provide the legal foundation for NORECO II’s continued operations for decades to come.
A Franchise Covering 14 Cities and Towns
Under the bill, NORECO II would retain its authority to serve Dumaguete City, the provincial capital and economic hub, along with Tanjay City and Bayawan City. The franchise area also includes 11 municipalities: Pamplona, Amlan, San Jose, Sibulan, Valencia, Bacong, Dauin, Zamboanguita, Siaton, Sta. Catalina, and Basay. Together, these areas form a vital corridor of residential, commercial, and agricultural activity.
The cooperative currently manages a system with an average peak demand of approximately 91 megawatts and assets valued at over ₱3.47 billion. Its network reaches 272 energized barangays, making it the backbone of daily life and commerce in the region. Renewing the franchise would legally empower NORECO II to pursue long‑term capital projects and rural electrification programs without interruption.
Securing Power for a Growing Economy
Governor Sagarbarria emphasized that reliable electricity is not just a convenience but a prerequisite for economic growth. Businesses, schools, hospitals, and households depend on stable power to function and thrive. The franchise renewal directly supports the province’s efforts to attract investments, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for residents.
The bill aligns with the cooperative’s mandate to modernize and expand its distribution facilities. With Dumaguete and its neighboring towns experiencing steady growth, energy demand is projected to rise. A clear, long‑term franchise gives NORECO II the confidence to invest in substation upgrades, improved grid reliability, and the Sitio Electrification Program to reach the most remote communities.
Consumer Safeguards and Accountability
In addition to extending the franchise, the proposed measure reinforces strict oversight by the Energy Regulatory Commission and the National Electrification Administration. These regulatory bodies ensure that NORECO II operates transparently, charges competitive rates, and delivers on its commitments to consumer‑owners. The cooperative’s board and management pledged to uphold these standards as part of the renewal process.
The meeting at the House of Representatives also served to harmonize the positions of local government units and the cooperative ahead of committee hearings. With the backing of the provincial leadership and the Power Bloc representatives in Congress, NORECO II’s franchise application is expected to advance through the legislative process. For the people of Negros Oriental, the discussions in Manila represent a concrete step toward a more energy‑secure future.
