Bacolod City is facing a serious issue with its power infrastructure, and it’s high time something was done about it. Did you know that out of the 11 substations in the Bacolod grid, seven have been around for over 25 years? Yeah, that’s right—more than half of them are practically ancient in the fast-paced world of technology. And we all know what happens to old equipment: it gets worn out, unreliable, and eventually breaks down when you need it the most.
Bacolod City Mayor Albee Benitez recently highlighted this issue during the Press conference, saying, “One of the reasons why we invited Negros Power is for them to do a modernization program to upgrade or replace our old equipment.“
So, what’s the plan? The mayor didn’t hold back on the details. With seven out of 11 substations being over 25 years old, he emphasized that these outdated substations are reaching the point where they can no longer serve their purpose effectively. As he put it, “Hindi na ni ya mapuslan at a certain point. So, very imperative kinahanglan ta nga islan na gid sang bag-o and that is exactly what they tend to do.”
A Much-Needed Modernization Plan
The mayor’s approach isn’t just about patching up the old equipment—it’s about a full-scale modernization program. Next week, Negros Power will present their detailed plans to the Council, laying out the specifics of what needs to be done. And it’s not just about the transformers. There’s much more on the table, including replacing outdated electrical wires.
Think about it: those wires have been around for decades, and they’re bound to fail sooner or later. Mayor Benitez pointed out that with these old wires, even the slightest surge in temperature could cause tripping and outages. “So, all of this equipment and replaceable items have to be replaced immediately,” he stressed.
What’s in Store for Bacolod?
Here’s the good news: this modernization is not going to take a lot of work. There’s a five-year program in place, and Negros Power are looking to get ahead of schedule by advancing most of the necessary equipment as soon as possible. The idea is to minimize problems down the road and ensure that Central Negros’ power grid can meet the demands of today—and tomorrow.
Engr. Bernard Bailey Del Castillo, Negros Power Chief Operations Officer
But this upgrade is costly. The investment needed to bring Negros Power infrastructure up to speed is a whopping 2.5 billion pesos. That’s a hefty price tag but a crucial investment for the region’s future.
Why This Matters
Why is this such a big deal? Well, imagine living in a place where power outages are a common occurrence. It’s not just inconvenient; it’s disruptive. Businesses can’t operate efficiently, hospitals can’t rely on a steady power supply, and daily life becomes a game of chance. By modernizing the grid, Negros is taking a significant step toward ensuring a stable and reliable power supply for everyone.
This is especially important today when everything runs on electricity. We depend on a steady flow of power from smartphones to home appliances to keep things running smoothly. As the mayor highlighted, it’s not just about replacing the old with the new—it’s about ensuring the latest equipment can handle the load without breaking down.
Bacolod City’s Substation Capacity and Loading
Looking Ahead
So, what’s next for Bacolod City and Central Negros? The next five years will significantly transform the power grid if everything goes according to plan. The modernization program will tackle the most pressing issues head-on, ensuring that the region isn’t left in the dark—literally and figuratively.
In the end, this isn’t just about fixing what’s broken; it’s about building a better, more resilient future for everyone in Bacolod. Mayor Benitez’s initiative is a step in the right direction, and with a 2.5 billion peso investment on the line, it’s clear that the stakes are high. But if successful, this modernization could be a game-changer for the region, bringing a brighter, more reliable future.
So, stay tuned—significant changes are coming, and they’re precisely what Bacolod City needs to keep the lights on and the power flowing.
More Article about Negros Power:
Power Restored in Bacolod: Negros Power Brings Alijis Feeders Back Online
Negros Power’s Takeover: A Timely Solution to CENECO’s Power Woes
Negros Power Brings Relief to BACIWA with New Generator Sets
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