Lighting Up Hope: The Negros Power Sitio Electrification Program

In recent years, many rural and remote communities, or sitios, in Central Negros have lived in the shadows — without stable electricity, relying on kerosene lamps, flashlights, or making difficult treks just to charge phones or access essential services. With the launch and scaling of the Sitio Electrification Program (SEP), Negros Electric and Power Corporation (Negros Power) is helping change that narrative.

What is the Sitio Electrification Program (SEP)?

Negros Power’s SEP is an initiative to energize remote, previously unserved communities within its franchise area.

The program includes the installation of new:

• Poles
• Transformers
• Meters
• Power lines

All this new equipment then connects remote sitios to the main grid. According to the latest report shared by Negros Power President and CEO Roel Z. Castro, 27 sitios around Central Negros have already been energized, benefitting about 1,130 households.

The Cost vs. the Benefits of the SEP

Mr. Castro also revealed that the Negros Power Sitio Electrification Program is part of the company’s 5-year Development Plan. So far, NEPC has invested nearly ₱26 million.

But it doesn’t end there. The longer‑term goal is actually quite ambitious: to energize around 232 sitios over three years, with a larger budget commitment of approximately ₱250 million for the entire program.

The Societal Impact

The SEP isn’t just about wiring poles and transformers. The impact runs deep across various aspects of daily life.

Improved Quality of Life

Lighting homes means safer nights: fewer accidents, reduced fire risk with reliance on open flames or kerosene lamps.

More comfort and convenience

Households can now use fans, charge electronic devices, have better lighting for study, have access to entertainment, and many more possibilities.

Education

Children have better environments to study after dark. Reading or doing homework without straining their eyes under a candle or oil lamp is a basic but powerful benefit.

Access to educational media

Residents can now have TV and radio sets powered by reliable electricity. Moreover, internet connectivity can already be within their reach.

Health and Safety

It cannot be denied that lighting helps reduce risks associated with darkness (falls, animals, snake bites, etc.). Medical facilities or clinics in those areas can operate better when electricity is assured (lighting, refrigeration for medicines, operating simple equipment).

Livelihood and Economic Opportunities

Electricity can enables small businesses to start and even prosper. Food stalls, cottage industries, repair shops, charging services, etc., can now operate in the evenings and serve their communities more efficiently. Harnessing the power of electricity may allow new income‑generating activities (e.g. using electric tools, machines).

Connectivity & Communication

Mobile phones, radios, or internet devices that are charged or powered by electricity mean better connection to the outside world. Access to news, social services, and alerts. Locals can also have more efficient communication with authorities when necessary.

Community Development and Inclusion

Areas that were previously neglected can now feel “seen”. Electrification is a form of inclusion, recognizing their rights to basic infrastructure. It helps reduce inequality between urban centers and remote sitios. Additionally, access to social media can enable locals to share their experiences or highlight what their area has to offer, potentially opening up new tourism opportunities.

Endless Possibilities

The Sitio Electrification Program by Negros Power is more than flipping a switch. It’s about new possibilities. For families already connected, the program provides safer homes, improved education, new livelihood opportunities, and greater dignity.

And for the many more sitios yet to be energized, it’s a promise — that even the farthest corners of Central Negros should not live in darkness.