Negros Power Highlights Urgent Need for Sustainable and Reliable Energy at 35th VABC

Negros Power once again took part in the 35th Visayas Area Business Conference (VABC), joining key industry leaders, business stakeholders, and innovators in discussions focused on shaping a more resilient and future-ready Visayas.

Anchored on the theme “Future Forward: Shaping Sustainable and Resilient Communities and Smarter Business,” the conference underscored the critical role of infrastructure, innovation, and energy security in sustaining economic growth across the region.

During the presentation “Powering Growth: Energy as the Engine of Visayas Trade & Investment,” Roel Z. Castro, President and CEO of Primelectric Holdings Inc., highlighted the rapidly growing power demand in the Visayas and the urgent need for dependable and balanced energy solutions.

Castro emphasized that the Visayas’ projected power demand is expected to rise significantly in the coming years, driven by economic expansion, industrialization, and increasing investment opportunities across Panay, Negros, Cebu, Leyte, and Bohol. He pointed out that while renewable energy remains an important long-term goal, the region also needs reliable baseload power to ensure stability and prevent supply shortages.

He further discussed the challenges currently affecting the Visayas grid, including limited interconnection capacity, supply imbalance, and rising global fuel costs. According to the presentation, Negros remains highly dependent on inter-island transmission corridors and imports power during peak hours despite its strong renewable energy capacity.

“The supply gap is not theoretical,” Castro stressed, citing recurring yellow alerts in the Visayas grid and the growing need for investments in dependable energy infrastructure. He also reiterated the importance of balancing renewable energy development with practical and sustainable transition strategies to protect consumers and support continuous economic activity.

As an active player in the energy sector, Negros Power reaffirmed its commitment to helping power communities, industries, and businesses through reliable service, continuous modernization, and long-term sustainability initiatives.

Through its participation in the 35th VABC, Negros Power continues to support meaningful conversations and collaborative efforts aimed at building a stronger, smarter, and more sustainable Visayas for future generations.*