How Negros Power Stepped Up During Typhoon Crising
When Typhoon Crising swept across the province, bringing strong winds and heavy rain, one name stood out for its quick and coordinated action: Negros Power. While most people were sheltering indoors and bracing for the storm, the hardworking teams behind the local electric utility were out in the field, ensuring that power was restored as quickly and safely as possible. The Negros Power response during Typhoon Crising proved to be a strong example of preparedness and dedication in the face of disaster.
Let’s take a look at how Negros Power handled their emergency response and what it meant for the affected communities.
Immediate Action as the Storm Hit
From the moment Typhoon Crising made landfall, Negros Power didn’t waste time, according to Engr. Leomel H. Tambanillo, Assistant Vice President for Planning, Business Operations, and SEP, activated the company’s emergency protocols immediately. Their top priorities were to restore electricity, keep their people safe, and coordinate closely with local authorities and disaster management teams.
Which Areas Were Affected the Most?
Typhoon Crising left a trail of power outages, especially in the southern parts of Negros. Bago City was one of the hardest hit within Negros Power’s service area. In Bacolod, things got serious when a primary wire came down near the NOCCPO compound in Barangay Estefania. Some parts of Murcia, including Alegria, also experienced blackouts. Meanwhile, restoration work pushed through in Don Salvador Benedicto despite the rough conditions.
The culprit? Fallen trees and thick vegetation that crashed onto power lines led to widespread outages. Clearing these was the first step before power could be restored safely.
More Crews, Faster Response
To meet the growing number of reported outages, Negros Power scaled up its operations fast. Usually, they operate with 16 response teams. However, during the typhoon, they added eight more, bringing the total to 24 teams by July 18. They also deployed four light trucks to reach areas that were previously inaccessible.
By the following day, July 19, things ramped up even further. A total of 38 teams were out on the ground. Here’s how they were organized:
- 17 regular response teams
- 5 quick response teams (QRTs)
- 7 line maintenance teams
- 6 metering teams
- 3 teams focused on secondary line restoration (SLR)
This allowed Negros Power to respond faster, even in remote and heavily affected areas.
No Major Damage to Transformers or Substations
Despite the severity of the storm, it’s worth noting that no transformers or substations failed. That’s great news because it meant the backbone of the system stayed intact, which helped speed up the overall recovery.
Safety First for Line Crews
Let’s not forget the people behind the work—the brave field personnel who went out during and after the storm. Their safety was a major priority. Every crew member was required to wear complete personal protective equipment and strictly follow safety protocols. Before heading out, teams attended safety orientations, which reminded everyone that their lives came first, even while serving others.
Working Together with Local Government
Negros Power didn’t operate alone. They worked closely with local government units and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices. In flood-hit barangays like Banago, Mandalagan, and Bata in Bacolod, quick coordination helped prevent further hazards. For example, if an area floods, teams immediately isolate power lines to avoid the risks of electrocution or fires.
Challenges on the Ground
Of course, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. One of the biggest hurdles was clearing the roads. Fallen trees and debris blocked many access points, making it hard for crews to get through. But even with these obstacles, the teams pushed on carefully and consistently, always keeping safety in mind.
A Message from Negros Power
Engr. Tambanillo shared an important reminder for the public in the wake of Typhoon Crising:
“If floodwaters begin to rise near your outlets, please switch off your main power or circuit breaker to prevent electrical hazards. Follow the Negros Power official Facebook page for real-time updates and advisories. Safety first, always.”
Final Thoughts
Negros Power showed what it means to be ready and responsive in times of crisis. Their fast action, solid coordination, and commitment to safety made a real difference to the thousands affected by the typhoon. In a time of uncertainty, they gave the people of Negros one thing they could count on—support, service, and a clear plan to bring back the light.
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