Negros Electric and Power Corp. (Negros Power) has replaced over 13,000 outdated electric meters across Central Negros, driving a major reduction in system loss and strengthening its campaign against electricity theft and grid inefficiencies, the Philippine National Agency reports.

As of May 2025, Negros Power recorded a system loss of 8.03%, down from 11.84% in August 2024, breaching the Energy Regulatory Commission’s (ERC) interim cap of 8.25%. The company attributed the improvement to sweeping technical upgrades and an intensified anti-pilferage campaign.

In a statement, Negros Power said the decline in system loss “signals significant progress in improving energy efficiency and curbing losses due to electricity theft and system irregularities.”

Between November 2024 and June 25, 2025, the utility conducted 1,704 enforcement operations, uncovering 789 illegal connections and 1,156 unauthorized load-side connections. To identify anomalies, it deployed 153 check meters and ramped up monitoring in major barangays. The operations resulted in the filing of two criminal cases 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,” said Roel Castro, president and CEO of Negros Power.

He encouraged customers to support the drive by reporting irregularities and helping foster a “fairer energy system and a transparent, reliable power network.”

The company also cited “strategic and efficient energy management” as a factor behind the lower power rates in June, stating that ongoing line rehabilitation and system upgrades continue to deliver measurable operational benefits.

“The feeder loss rate improved to 8.03% (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 added.

Negros Power services Bacolod, Silay, Talisay, and Bago cities, as well as the municipalities of Don Salvador Benedicto and Murcia.

What do you think of Negros Power’s strategy to curb system loss? Are modern meters and anti-pilferage operations enough to sustain long-term grid reliability? Join the discussion.

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