Negros Power Boosts Bacolod Growth With ₱630M Grid Upgrade
Bacolod City is growing quickly, and that means more people need dependable electricity. To meet this demand, Negros Electric and Power Corp., or Negros Power, is investing ₱630 million to improve its power infrastructure.
This investment is about more than just keeping the lights on. It will help power homes, businesses, and new developments in the city and surrounding areas.
Why Bacolod Needs a Power Upgrade
In recent years, Bacolod City’s electricity use has steadily increased. Since 2023, demand has grown by about 7 percent each year, driven by fast urban growth, more businesses, and better power service reliability.
Engr. Joe-Mel Zaporteza, vice president and chief operating officer of Negros Electric and Power Corporation, says the company now must upgrade its system to keep up with the city’s growth and support nearby communities.
If these upgrades are not made, the current system could become overloaded, causing inefficiencies and possible power outages.
Two New Substations Coming Soon
A key part of the upgrade is the construction of two new substations, which will greatly increase the city’s power capacity.
The first, the Capitol Substation, will be built on San Juan Street and should be running by the end of 2026. The second, the Megaworld Substation in The Upper East township, is set to be finished in early 2027.
Each substation will cost between ₱200 million and ₱250 million. When both are done, Negros Power will have 13 substations in total by mid-2027, up from 11.
These new substations will help prevent overloading and keep the system running smoothly. The aim is to keep the network at about 70 percent capacity, so it can handle more demand in the future.
Strengthening the Sub Transmission Network
Negros Power is also spending ₱130 million to upgrade its 69kV sub-transmission lines and build new substations.
This part of the project will improve key connections in the grid. It involves adding new lines between substations and upgrading current ones to carry more power.
A major upgrade is the Bacolod Bata line, which will increase its capacity from 126 MVA to 220 MVA. This will help the system deliver more power efficiently and support the new substations when they are ready.
The upgrades should be completed in 6 to 8 months, and preparations have already begun.
Building on Previous Investments
This new project follows earlier work by Negros Power, which took over the distribution system from Central Negros Electric Cooperative in August 2024.
In its first year, the company invested at least ₱1.3 billion to improve the network. These efforts have already made a clear difference.
Power outages now occur less often and last shorter. The System Average Interruption Frequency Index improved by 38 percent, and the System Average Interruption Duration Index improved by 67 percent.
So far, the company has finished 39 percent of its five-year development plan, putting it ahead of schedule.
What Consumers Should Expect
These upgrades will bring long-term benefits, but there may be some short-term inconveniences. During construction, consumers might have scheduled power interruptions lasting from 30 minutes up to eight hours, depending on the work.
Engr. Joe-Mel Zaporteza says it will use careful switching methods to limit disruptions and keep the number of affected households as low as possible.
The good news is that, even with this large investment, electricity rates are not expected to rise right away. Any changes would still need approval from the Energy Regulatory Commission.
Supporting Bacolod’s Bright Future
Reliable electricity is important for a city’s future, and Bacolod is no different. With big projects like Megaworld’s township, PHINMA’s Saludad project, and Rockwell Land’s Rockwell Center, the need for steady power will keep increasing.
Negros Power’s infrastructure improvements will help the city support these projects, attract more investment, and create more jobs.
Areas near Bacolod, such as Talisay City, Silay City, Bago City, Murcia, and Don Salvador Benedicto, will also benefit from a more stable grid.
Powering the Future of Bacolod
Negros Power’s ₱630 million upgrade is more than an infrastructure project. It is a strategic step to prepare Bacolod for future energy needs.
As Bacolod grows and changes, a reliable and efficient power supply will be essential for continued progress. With these upgrades underway, the city is on track for a brighter, more energized future.
