CENECO Employees Urged to Apply at Negros Power

The Negros Power franchise has already passed the final reading in the 19th Congress and has secured the approval of the majority of the Congressmen. While there is still a long way to go before the final approval of the President, groundworks are already being laid when the franchise for Negros Electric and Power Corporation is pushed through. As such, CENECO employees are being urged to apply to Negros Power, the new company, because they are much needed to improve the distribution services in Bacolod City and Central Negros.

Prioritizing CENECO Employees

Negros Electric and Power Corporation (Negros Power) is encouraging all Central Negros Electric Cooperative (CENECO) employees to apply if they wish to continue working in an electric distribution utility.

It can be remembered that one of the resistance for the pushing of the JVA between Primelectric and CENECO is the employees. The biggest concern in the past was the status of their employment should the Negros Power pushes through.

However, this reminder comes as the lower house of Congress prepares to send House Bill 9805 to the Senate for adoption. This is the approved legislation granting Negros Power a franchise to operate electricity distribution in Central Negros.

The approved bill will pave the way for a joint venture between CENECO and Primelectric Holdings, the parent company of Negros Power.

Under the terms of this partnership, CENECO employees will be given priority consideration for positions within Negros Power’s workforce, but they must formally apply to express their interest.

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No Automatic Rehiring

Negros Power President Roel Castro clarified that there is no automatic rehiring provision, as some employees may choose to retire or pursue other opportunities after receiving separation benefits from CENECO. Thus, those interested in continuing their employment must apply to be considered.

“Sana they will consider na magtrabaho pa sa bagong distribution utility company. Sayang ang skills and familiarity nila. I encourage them na mag-apply sa Negros Power para maconsider sila sa hiring,” Castro clarified.

As of this writing, over 200 CENECO employees have already submitted their applications to Negros Power and are now being processed.

Castro emphasized the urgency of preparing the workforce for a smooth transition, which is why he has instructed their Human Resource Department Manager to initiate the hiring process promptly.

What Will Happen to CENECO?

Primelectric Holdings, through Negros Power, will acquire CENECO’s distribution assets for 70% cash and 30% share. This will make CENECO and its consumers as shareholders of the new company.

With the fresh cash flow that will come in from the purchase, CENECO will use these funds to settle debts, refund consumer bill deposits, and fulfill separation obligations to the employees outlined in their collective bargaining agreement (CBA). This will mark the start of the modernization of CENECO/Negros Power.

Negros Power aims to commence operations at the soonest possible time in the cities of Bacolod, Bago, Silay, Talisay, as well as the municipalities of Murcia and Don Salvador Benedicto once the franchise law is approved and the Energy Regulatory Commission grants a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN).

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