Negros Power Fights Ashfall, Ensuring Reliable Power Amidst Kanlaon Eruption
Natural disasters are challenging, but when Mount Kanlaon erupted on December 9, Negros Power stepped up to show just how resilient they are. The eruption blanketed parts of Negros Occidental, including Bago City and the Municipality of Murcia, in ash-a headache for anyone, but especially for a power company tasked with keeping the electricity flowing. Let’s dive into how they’ve been tackling this challenge head-on.
The Challenge of Ashfall on Power Lines
Ashfall isn’t just a mess; it’s a real problem for power infrastructure. Here’s what Negros Power had to deal with:
- Insulator Flashover: Ash can coat insulators, making them prone to failure and causing power outages.
- Overloading: When ash builds up on lines, it’s heavy enough to strain the system-not great for reliability.
- Structural Damage: Poles and light structures can weaken under the weight of ash, increasing the risk of collapse.
- Tree Falls: Trees covered in ash are more likely to fall, taking down power lines.
- System Malfunction: Substations and HVAC systems aren’t safe either-ash can clog up intakes and reduce performance.
It’s a long list of risks, but Negros Power wasn’t about to let that slow them down.
Taking Action: Cleaning Up and Moving Forward
Negros Power rolled up their sleeves right away. By December 22, they had already cleaned nearly 450 primary feeder line pin insulators and swapped out 130 damaged ones. That’s a solid 77% completion rate-and they’re not stopping until everything is back to normal.
Their weapon of choice? Good old water-flushing. By spraying down ash-covered equipment, they’ve cleared away contamination and prevented further damage. It’s not glamorous, but it works.
Protecting Substations
Substations are the heart of any power network, and Negros Power wasn’t about to let ashfall take them out. They’ve proactively shielded critical systems from ash ingress, keeping operations running smoothly despite adversity.
Putting People and Reliability First
At the core of all this effort is a commitment to customers and employees. As Engr. Mervin Dalian, head of Network Development and Operations, said, “We are committed to providing reliable power to our customers, even in the face of natural disasters.”
It’s not just talk, either. The company’s focus on safety and reliability shines through in its actions. From monitoring the situation around the clock to ensuring their employees have what they need to work safely, Negros Power is all about staying ahead of the curve.
What’s Next?
With Mount Kanlaon still an active volcano, Negros Power knows the work doesn’t stop here. They’ll continue to:
- Monitor ashfall levels and weather conditions.
- Perform regular equipment maintenance and inspections.
- Keep customers informed about any potential disruptions.
The goal? To ensure the power stays on, no matter what Mother Nature throws their way.
Celebrating Resilience in Action
If there’s one thing we can learn from Negros Power, it’s that preparation and quick action make all the difference. Their response to the Mount Kanlaon eruption is a testament to resilience-something we can all appreciate, especially when the lights stay on during challenging times.
Here’s to the people working tirelessly behind the scenes to keep life running smoothly for everyone in Negros Occidental. They prove teamwork and dedication can make all the difference, even in the face of nature’s fury.