Keeping the Lights On: Negros Power’s 5-Year Plan for a Brighter Future
In Bacolod City, there’s a buzz in the air – Negros Electric and Power Corporation, now known simply as Negros Power, has kicked off a major overhaul of Central Negros’s electric grid. After inheriting facilities from the Central Negros Electric Cooperative (CENECO), Negros Power is pulling out all the stops to bring the area’s electricity distribution up to speed, aiming to improve reliability and prevent those dreaded blackouts.
With the green light from the Energy Regulatory Commission, Negros Power’s five-year rehabilitation and modernization plan is already well underway, promising to reshape power distribution in Central Negros.
Why the Rush? It’s About Time for an Upgrade
Negros Power’s crews wasted no time in getting to work. Over the weekend, they were hard at work on the aging substations at Reclamation and Asdez-Gonzaga in Bacolod City. These substations, vital for power distribution in the area, have been worn down by decades of heavy use, making them susceptible to breakdowns. However, the dedication of the crews is reassuring-their power transformers are in good hands for a much-needed refresh.
Once the maintenance work is complete, the community can expect improved power reliability and reduced risk of power outages. In fact, seven of the twelve transformers in Negros Power’s service area are past their prime. According to Negros Power’s President and CEO, Roel Castro, these transformers have been working hard for over 25 years – well beyond the ideal lifespan for such equipment. “We can’t waste more time,” Castro explained. “The aging transformers have started showing signs of wear, like oil leaks, which put them at high risk of malfunction.”
Making Preventive Moves to Keep the Power Flowing
To get ahead of potential issues, Negros Power is taking preventive action. Crews have been busy degassing the transformers – a process that helps maintain the transformers’ health by removing potentially harmful gases. They’re also fixing “hotspots,” or points in the equipment prone to overheating, to prevent the kind of major outages that have hit the region in the past. Just last August, the Alijis Substation experienced a significant failure due to equipment age and high demand, which led to an extended power outage.
Castro emphasized that these measures are a necessity, not a choice. With proactive maintenance, Negros Power hopes to sidestep future power cuts and ensure a smoother, more reliable experience for customers. But to get it done, they’ll need a little patience from the community.
Expect Power Interruptions (But It’s for a Good Cause!)
Of course, all this repair and maintenance work can’t happen without a few interruptions. To make these upgrades safely, there will be scheduled power outages. Castro was upfront about the disruptions this will bring, with some work requiring power cuts lasting between ten to twelve hours. He understands that no one wants to lose power for a day – especially when it’s planned – but he assures consumers that it’s a small sacrifice for a more reliable power grid.
“We empathize with the inconvenience this may cause our consumers,” Castro said. “But this is necessary to avoid unscheduled, longer, and wider blackouts that none of us want to experience.”
Aiming for a Future Without Frequent Blackouts
Negros Power’s mission isn’t just about quick fixes; it’s a full-on commitment to building a stable power infrastructure that can keep up with the growing needs of the region. As the population expands and demand for electricity increases, the power grid needs to be up to the challenge. This five-year plan is designed to ensure that Negros has the power it needs – today and in the years to come.
This is just the beginning. Castro has assured residents that more improvements are on the way, as Negros Power is committed to creating a grid that can handle both today’s demands and tomorrow’s growth.
The Big Picture: Building Resilient Energy for Negros
Negros Power’s rehabilitation plan is more than a project – it’s a commitment to the community. By investing in reliable power infrastructure, they’re not just preventing blackouts; they’re setting up Central Negros for a brighter, more resilient future. As they carry out these upgrades, they invite residents to see the bigger picture: short-term inconvenience for long-term gains, and a future filled with reliable power.
So, if you’re living in Central Negros and experience a scheduled power interruption, take heart. Every hour without power is not a setback, but a step forward towards a more modern, reliable system that’s ready to meet the region’s demands head-on, blackout-free.
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