Aggressive Anti-Pilferage Drive by Negros Power to Cut System Loss
Negros Power has significantly reduced its system loss rate through an intensified anti-pilferage campaign and sweeping technical upgrades.
Negros Power has significantly reduced its system loss rate through an intensified anti-pilferage campaign and sweeping technical upgrades.
Have you noticed the System Loss entry in your electricity bill? We have all experienced this, and it has become increasingly prevalent in recent years. But the Negros Electric and Power Corporation (Negros Power) is correcting that. Negros Power has significantly reduced its system loss rate through an intensified anti-pilferage campaign and sweeping technical upgrades. It has successfully reduced the figure from 11.84% in August 2024 to just 8.03% by May 2025.
Effective Anti-Pilferage Drive Benefits Consumers
This dramatic drop moves the utility below the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) interim cap of 8.25%, signaling significant progress in improving energy efficiency and curbing losses due to electricity theft and system irregularities.
Between November 2024 and June 25, 2025, the company uncovered 789 illegal connections and 1,156 unauthorized load-side connections. These figures were the result of 1,704 enforcement operations, which achieved 96% of its inspection targets.
“This is more than enforcement,” said Engr. Edwin Montemayor, System Loss Reduction Consultant. “It’s about ensuring every household enjoys fair, stable, and safe electricity.”
The campaign includes the deployment of 153 check meters and continuous monitoring across key barangays to detect anomalies swiftly. Legal action has also begun, with two criminal cases already filed against persistent offenders.
System Upgrades
As part of its broader System Loss Reduction Program (SLRP), Negros Power has also replaced 13,308 outdated meters to modernize customer metering.
“Our strategy is clear: clean up the grid, modernize our systems, and uphold accountability,” said Roel Z. Castro, President and CEO of Negros Power. “These numbers show real impact—and this is just the beginning.”
Castro also called on the public to play a role in building a fairer energy system:
“Progress happens when the community works with us. Report anomalies. Be vigilant. Help us build a transparent, reliable power network for all.”
Negros Power assures consumers that its anti-pilferage campaign, infrastructure upgrades, and public engagement initiatives will continue—restoring integrity, trust, and efficiency across Central Negros.
