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Preventive Maintenance: The Key to a Reliable Power Grid in Bacolod

Though inconvenient, power outages are necessary to maintain a stable power grid. Negros Power, the entity responsible for Bacolod City’s electrical infrastructure, has been conducting preventive maintenance to address hotspots in their transmission lines. This blog post will delve into the significance of these efforts, the causes of hotspots, and how Negros Power is working to ensure a reliable power supply.

Understanding Hotspots in the Power Grid

A hotspot is a section of a power line that becomes abnormally hot due to loose, worn, or damaged electrical connections. These faults increase resistance, leading to excessive heat generation. If left unchecked, hotspots can cause equipment failures and unscheduled power outages.

Detecting Hotspots Early

Negros Power employs thermal scanners to detect hotspots in their transmission lines. These devices identify areas with abnormal heat build-ups before they escalate into more severe problems. Recently, the company detected hotspots on a 69KV transmission line connecting the NGCP substation in Brgy. Mansilingan to Brgy. Bata.

Negros Power using a thermal scanner to check the facility.

The Critical Role of Preventive Maintenance

Negros Power conducts preventive maintenance to avoid sudden, long-lasting outages. By tackling the problems before they escalate, the company ensures the power system runs smoothly and efficiently.

Key Benefits of Preventive Maintenance

Increased Equipment Lifespan: Regular inspections and maintenance can identify and address potential problems before they escalate, preventing costly repairs or replacements.
Improved Efficiency: Well-maintained equipment operates more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and waste.
Reduced Downtime: Preventive maintenance can minimize unplanned downtime by addressing issues proactively, ensuring uninterrupted operations and productivity.
Cost Savings: While preventive maintenance involves upfront costs, it can lead to significant long-term savings by preventing costly breakdowns and emergency repairs.
Safety and Compliance: Regular inspections help identify safety hazards and ensure industry regulations and standards compliance.

Why Negros Power Schedule Early Morning Power Outages?

During the recent brownouts, maintenance was scheduled between 2 AM and 5 AM, when power demand was at its lowest. This minimized daily activities’ inconvenience while allowing linemen to repair the hotspots safely and efficiently.

The early morning timing of the brownouts is strategic. Power demand is lower at this time, allowing Negros Power’s linemen to work more efficiently and with less risk. While the temporary outages may be inconvenient, they prevent more significant, unexpected interruptions.

A Strategic Plan for Long-Term Power Reliability

Fixing hotspots is just one component of Negros Power’s comprehensive 5-year rehabilitation and development strategy. This plan aims to modernize Bacolod City’s electrical infrastructure, making it more resilient and reducing the likelihood of unexpected power outages. Although scheduled interruptions will continue as part of these upgrades, the ultimate goal is to provide a more robust, reliable power network. These efforts today will ensure a stable and dependable power supply for the city in the years ahead.

Preparing for Scheduled Outages

To minimize the inconvenience of scheduled power interruptions, Negros Power recommends that consumers take a few simple steps to prepare:

Charge essential devices like phones, laptops, and power banks the night before.
Make sure essential appliances like refrigerators are closed to retain coolness during the outage.
Have flashlights or candles ready in case the brownout lasts longer than expected.

By preparing in advance, residents can make the most of the time without electricity and reduce frustration during these necessary outages.

A Request for Patience and Cooperation

Negros Power acknowledges the inconvenience that power interruptions can cause, but these scheduled outages are essential to maintaining the stability and safety of Bacolod’s electrical grid. The company is committed to ensuring long-term reliability by addressing issues proactively. They ask for the community’s patience and cooperation during this period of necessary upgrades, emphasizing that these efforts will lead to fewer disruptions and a more dependable power supply in the future, bringing hope and optimism to the community.

Summary

Hotspots pose a significant threat to the stability of a power grid. Negros Power’s proactive approach, involving early detection and preventive maintenance, is crucial in preventing major power outages. While scheduled outages may be necessary during this improvement period, the long-term benefits of a more reliable power supply outweigh the temporary inconvenience. By understanding the importance of these efforts and preparing for scheduled outages, consumers can contribute to a safer and more resilient power grid.